Mayes Middleton, a Republican, is running for Texas attorney general in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Nathan Johnson, a Democrat, and Tom Oxford, a Libertarian.
Middleton represents District 11 in the Texas Senate. He has said he rejected the state pension and healthcare and donates his entire state salary to local charities, according to his campaign website.
Candidate information
Party: Republican
Office sought: Texas attorney general
Education: J.D., University of Texas; bachelor's degree in Plan II Honors, University of Texas
Law license: Middleton said he has been licensed to practice law since 2008.
Personal: Middleton describes himself as a seventh-generation Texan.
Experience and public service
Middleton serves as a state senator representing District 11 in the Texas Senate. He also served as chairman of the Texas House Freedom Caucus, according to his campaign website.
He previously served as a state representative for District 23 in the Texas House, according to BallotReady. Outside the Legislature, Middleton has worked as president of Middleton Oil Company and in ranching and farming operations, according to BallotReady.
On the issues
The following positions are from Middleton's campaign website and candidate questionnaire responses.
Property taxes: Middleton said property taxes threaten family homes and businesses. He called for "iron-clad limits on property tax growth and meaningful relief, while simultaneously working towards eventual abolition." He also said he supports a constitutional spending cap and zero-based budgeting.
Border security: Middleton said he would enforce immigration laws, secure the border and pursue legal action against what he called "sanctuary cities." He said he supports aggressively enforcing President Trump's border security agenda and deportation orders.
Criminal justice: Middleton said he would target district attorneys he believes are not enforcing the law. He said he supports zero-tolerance policies for violent crime and stronger bonds for dangerous offenders. He also said he would fight human trafficking.
Education: Middleton said he wants to stop gender ideology in schools and opposes critical race theory in education. He also called for abolishing the Robin Hood school-funding redistribution program.
Guns and healthcare: Middleton said he co-authored the constitutional carry bill. He also said he authored and passed what he called the strongest ban on COVID vaccine mandates in the country.
Civil rights: Middleton said he authored and passed the Save Women's Sports Act as a senator, which he said prohibits men from unfairly competing in women's collegiate sports. He also said he would defend religious liberties and enforce election laws, including voter ID requirements.
The attorney general can enforce applicable laws, represent the state and pursue litigation within the office’s authority. Changes to taxes, public benefits or school funding generally require legislation and budget decisions; the attorney general cannot enact them alone.
Sources: Public campaign materials, published candidate profiles and the public records linked above. Policy statements are attributed to the candidate; funding or implementation details are included where available.
The Prosper-Celina Journal did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.
