If you’re wondering who is the attorney general of the state of texas right now, the name you need to know is Ken Paxton.
He’s been in the seat since 2015. But honestly, just knowing his name doesn't really tell you the whole story. To understand who holds this office, you have to look at the whirlwind of legal battles, political survivor storylines, and massive settlements that have defined his tenure.
As of January 2026, Ken Paxton remains the 51st Attorney General of Texas.
He’s currently serving his third term. However, things are shifting. He recently made headlines by announcing he’s challenging incumbent John Cornyn for a seat in the U.S. Senate. This means while he is the AG today, the race to replace him in the 2026 election is already getting crowded and, frankly, pretty wild.
The Man in the Office: Ken Paxton's Long Run
Ken Paxton isn't just a lawyer; he’s a political lightning rod. He started out in the private sector, working for firms like Strasburger & Price and even as in-house counsel for J.C. Penney. Then he jumped into politics. He spent ten years in the Texas House and a couple in the Texas Senate before winning the AG race in 2014.
Since then, he’s turned the office into what some call a "conservative battering ram."
👉 See also: Ethics in the News: What Most People Get Wrong
He doesn't just wait for cases to come to him. He goes looking for them. Just this month, on January 15, 2026, his office finalized a settlement with Cal-Maine Foods over price gouging. The result? Over two million free eggs are being donated to Texas food banks. It’s those kinds of "kitchen table" wins that he uses to balance out the more controversial headlines.
A Reputation for Fighting D.C.
If there is one thing Paxton loves, it’s suing the federal government.
- He filed dozens of lawsuits against the Obama administration.
- He fought the Biden administration on everything from border buoys in the Rio Grande to immigration pauses.
- He’s been a massive supporter of the Trump administration’s policies.
Basically, if a federal policy looks like it might overstep state lines, Paxton's office is usually the first to file a brief. He’s built a brand on being the guy who says "no" to Washington D.C. This has made him a hero to the "hardline" wing of the Texas GOP, even as he faces constant friction from the more business-minded "old guard" of the party.
The Impeachment That Didn't Stick
You can't talk about who is the attorney general of the state of texas without mentioning the 2023 impeachment trial. It was a massive deal. The Texas House—led by members of his own party—voted to impeach him on 20 different articles, including bribery and abuse of public trust.
He was suspended. For a few months, Texas actually had "provisional" AGs like John Scott and Angela Colmenero.
✨ Don't miss: When is the Next Hurricane Coming 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
But then came the Senate trial. In September 2023, the Texas Senate acquitted him on all counts. He walked back into his office on 11th Street in Austin and got right back to work. It was a huge political victory that proved his base of support was much deeper than many analysts expected. It’s a big reason why he feels confident enough to run for the U.S. Senate now.
What Does the Texas AG Actually Do?
People often think the AG is just the state’s "top cop." That’s part of it, but it’s mostly a civil law job. The office has over 4,000 employees. That’s a lot of people.
Child Support and Consumer Protection
One of the biggest divisions is Child Support. In fact, Paxton often brags that Texas has the most "cost-effective" child support program in the country. They collect billions for Texas families every year.
Then you have Consumer Protection. This is where the office sues companies for deceptive trade practices. Recently, Paxton launched an investigation into grocery chains for allegedly spraying organic produce with pesticides without telling anyone. He also sued Samsung over claims that their Smart TVs were "spying" on Texans in their living rooms.
Medicaid Fraud
His Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) is also a heavy hitter. In 2025 alone, they recovered over $125 million and secured more than 120 arrests. When people talk about who is the attorney general of the state of texas, they usually focus on the partisan stuff, but these divisions are the ones that actually affect your daily life and your taxes.
🔗 Read more: What Really Happened With Trump Revoking Mayorkas Secret Service Protection
The 2026 Race: Who’s Next?
Since Paxton is aiming for the U.S. Senate, the 2026 election for Attorney General is wide open. This is a huge shift because the office hasn't been "open" like this in a long time.
Several big names have already jumped in:
- Chip Roy: The U.S. Representative who is known for being a fiscal hawk. He has the backing of Senator Ted Cruz.
- Aaron Reitz: A former deputy to Paxton and a former chief of staff to Ted Cruz. Paxton has actually endorsed him, calling him a "true MAGA attorney."
- Joan Huffman: A State Senator with a lot of support from law enforcement groups.
- Mayes Middleton: Another State Senator who is leaning heavily into the social conservative wing.
On the Democratic side, you’ve got people like Joe Jaworski, the former mayor of Galveston, and State Senator Nathan Johnson. They’re hoping the "Paxton era" has left voters tired of the legal drama, but in Texas, that’s a tough uphill climb for any Democrat.
Why This Office Matters to You
The Attorney General of Texas has more power than most people realize. They issue "legal opinions" that have the force of law unless a court says otherwise. If a school district is confused about a new state law, they ask the AG. If a city wants to know if they can spend money on a specific program, they ask the AG.
Paxton has used this power to influence everything from prayer in schools to how voting is handled in large counties like Harris or Dallas.
Actionable Insights for Texans:
- Check for Unclaimed Money: The AG's office often handles settlements (like the recent egg or opioid settlements). Keep an eye on the official website's "News" section to see if you're eligible for restitution from consumer lawsuits.
- Report Fraud: If you think a business is scamming you, don't just complain on social media. File a formal complaint with the Consumer Protection Division. They actually investigate these things.
- Track the 2026 Primary: Since Texas is a deep-red state, the Republican primary on March 3, 2026, is likely where the next Attorney General will be decided. If you care about who leads the state's legal department, that’s the date to watch.
- Public Information Requests: If you need records from a state agency and they're stalling, the AG's office is the one that enforces the Texas Public Information Act. Knowing the rules can help you get the data you need.
Ken Paxton remains a dominant force in Texas politics, but with his sights set on D.C., the landscape is changing. Whether you love his "fighting" style or wish the office would focus more on non-partisan administration, the next couple of years will be the most significant turning point for the Texas AG's office in over a decade.