Texas politics just took another sharp turn. Rep. Chip Roy, long criticized by grassroots conservatives as a “RINO,” has announced he will not seek reelection to Congress, instead setting his sights on the Texas Attorney General’s office.
In a recent op-ed, political analyst Ryan Greenstein argued that this move reflects a broader trend: attorney general posts are becoming launchpads to higher political power. What was once considered a relatively neutral role is now shaping state and even national politics.
Greenstein highlighted Louisiana’s Jeff Landry, who transitioned from a single term in Congress to serving as attorney general before successfully winning the governorship in 2023. Others, like Raúl Labrador, Todd Rokita, and Tim Griffin, have taken similar routes. Even Democrats have recognized the AG’s political weight—Xavier Becerra leveraged his California attorney general role into a cabinet position under President Biden.
The point is clear: attorneys general don’t just enforce the law; they command influence through high-profile lawsuits and state leadership, making them strong contenders for future governor or Senate campaigns. Greenstein suggested Roy’s decision is calculated, predicting he will re-emerge in Texas politics with greater momentum.
Meanwhile, the attorney general’s seat is already drawing intense attention. Former AG Ken Paxton is preparing a challenge to Sen. John Cornyn, who faces mounting backlash from conservatives. Polls show Paxton leading Cornyn by 22 points in a potential 2026 GOP primary, with only 27% of Texans saying they want Cornyn back in office.
Analysts tie Cornyn’s decline to his cooperation with Democrats on gun control legislation during Biden’s presidency. That deal included funding for state “red flag” laws, a move widely condemned by Texas conservatives as a betrayal of Second Amendment rights.
Polling from The Tarrance Group also tested general election matchups against Democrat Colin Allred. Cornyn still edged Allred by six points, but Paxton trailed slightly—underscoring the volatility of the race.
Paxton celebrated his momentum on social media, blasting Cornyn’s record:
“@JohnCornyn is a D- Senator… Texas deserves better than a D- Senator. Send him home!”
Grassroots conservatives quickly piled on, praising Paxton as a fighter while accusing Cornyn of repeatedly siding with Washington elites. One comment summed up the mood:
“When Paxton entered the race, he made the decision easy for Texans. Cornyn has proven he’s not truly representing us. Ken has fought for Texans his entire career.”
With Roy stepping aside in Congress, Paxton targeting Cornyn, and attorney general shaping up to be the next political springboard, Texas Republicans are entering a new chapter—one where power is shifting fast and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
