Ken Paxton. That’s the name you’re looking for. Since 2015, Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr. has held the keys to the most powerful legal office in the Lone Star State. But honestly, just knowing his name doesn't even scratch the surface of what’s actually going on in Austin right now.
If you've been following Texas politics at all, you know it’s never just "business as usual." As of early 2026, the office of the Attorney General of Texas is arguably the center of gravity for every major conservative legal battle in America. Paxton isn't just a lawyer; he’s a political lightning rod who has survived impeachments, securities fraud charges, and a very public fallout with his own party’s "old guard."
Who is Attorney General of Texas Right Now?
Ken Paxton is currently serving his third term. He was first sworn in back in January 2015, following in the footsteps of Greg Abbott. He’s the 51st person to hold the job.
His resume is pretty standard for a high-level Texas Republican. He went to Baylor (twice), got his law degree from the University of Virginia, and spent a decade in the Texas House before a quick stint in the State Senate. But his time as AG has been anything but standard.
Texas is a "trifecta" state, meaning Republicans control the governorship, the legislature, and the AG's office. This gives the Attorney General of Texas massive leverage. Paxton has used that leverage to sue the federal government more times than most people change their oil. We’re talking over 100 lawsuits against federal agencies, covering everything from immigration and border buoys to environmental regs and "Obamacare."
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Here is the kicker: Paxton is still the AG, but he might not be for much longer.
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In April 2025, Paxton dropped a bombshell. He announced he’s running for the U.S. Senate, challenging long-time incumbent John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary. This has turned the Texas political world upside down. Basically, Paxton is betting that his "MAGA" credentials can topple a titan of the GOP establishment.
Because he’s chasing a Senate seat, the race for who will become the next Attorney General of Texas is wide open. The primary is set for March 3, 2026, and the field is already crowded. You’ve got names like:
- Chip Roy: The fiery U.S. Representative known for bucking his own party leadership.
- Joan Huffman: A heavyweight State Senator with deep ties to law enforcement.
- Mayes Middleton: Another State Senator who has positioned himself as a hardline conservative.
- Aaron Reitz: A former Paxton deputy who actually has Paxton’s endorsement.
It’s a bit of a soap opera, frankly. On the Democratic side, folks like Joe Jaworski and Nathan Johnson are trying to make a play, but Texas hasn't elected a Democrat to a statewide office since the 90s.
What Does the Attorney General Actually Do?
People often think the AG is the state’s "top cop." That’s sorta true, but it's more complicated. They don't usually patrol the streets or handle local muggings.
Instead, the Attorney General of Texas acts as the lawyer for the state. If a state agency gets sued, Paxton’s office defends them. If the state wants to sue a company for price gouging—like the recent $125 million healthcare fraud recovery or the massive settlement that netted two million free eggs for food banks—the AG handles it.
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The office is massive. We’re talking over 4,000 employees. They handle child support enforcement (one of the largest programs in the country), consumer protection, and "special litigation" which is code for high-profile political fights.
The Elephant in the Room: The Scandals
You can't talk about the Attorney General of Texas without mentioning the legal drama. It’s been a decade-long saga.
For years, Paxton was under indictment for state securities fraud charges stemming from 2015. He finally settled that in 2024 by paying restitution and doing community service, avoiding a trial. Then there was the 2023 impeachment. The Texas House—led by fellow Republicans—voted to impeach him over allegations of bribery and abuse of office related to a political donor.
He was suspended for a few months, but the Texas Senate ultimately acquitted him on all counts. He walked back into his office, claimed total victory, and immediately started a "revenge tour" against the Republicans who voted to oust him. It's why the 2026 primary is so incredibly tense.
Why This Office Matters to You
Even if you don't care about Austin politics, the Attorney General of Texas impacts your life.
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If you're a parent, his office likely handles your child support payments. If you’re a taxpayer, he’s the one spending millions on lawsuits against Washington. Recently, his office has been hyper-focused on:
- Border Security: Using state resources to detain migrants and suing to keep barriers in the Rio Grande.
- Corporate Accountability: Suing major grocery chains for "pesticide spraying" on organic produce and hitting Big Pharma over the opioid crisis.
- Social Issues: Aggressively defending Texas’s near-total abortion ban and fighting "woke" policies in schools and businesses.
Actionable Next Steps for Texans
If you want to have a say in who leads this massive agency next, you need to be ready for the 2026 cycle.
First, check your voter registration status. Texas doesn't have online registration; you have to mail in a paper application or do it when you renew your license.
Second, mark March 3, 2026, on your calendar. That’s the primary. Because Texas is so "red," the winner of the Republican primary for Attorney General of Texas is the heavy favorite to win the whole thing in November.
Lastly, follow the money. The Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) publishes campaign finance reports. See who is funding the candidates like Chip Roy or Aaron Reitz. In Texas, the AG’s office is often a stepping stone to the Governor’s mansion, so the stakes couldn't be higher.
The office of the Attorney General of Texas is currently a powerhouse of conservative activism under Ken Paxton. Whether it stays that way or shifts toward a more traditional "law and order" focus depends entirely on the upcoming 2026 elections. Keep your eyes on the March primaries—it’s going to be a wild ride.