Dallas, Texas – Dallas State Senator Nathan Johnson has made an important political move by publicly announcing that he would run for Texas Attorney General in 2026. This decision makes Johnson the first Democrat to run for one of the state’s most important seats. It directly challenges the Republican hold on statewide positions in Texas that has lasted for decades.
Johnson, who developed a career as an energy attorney and even dabbled in composing music, first garnered political traction in 2018 when he won a typically Republican Senate seat by upsetting then-incumbent Don Huffines. The two men’s political trajectories are now again running parallel. Johnson is running for attorney general, and Huffines is running for state comptroller on the Republican ticket.
Read also: Texas AG probes suspected illegal voting by foreign nationals in Harris County
Johnson’s main message in his campaign announcement was clear: he promised to restore trust and fairness to the Office of the Attorney General.
“I’m running to restore trust, professionalism, and independence to the Office of the Attorney General,” Johnson said in his announcement, referencing ongoing ethical controversies surrounding current and former officeholders.
On the other hand, the Republican field is already taking shape, with a number of well-known contenders competing for the nomination. State Senators Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman, as well as Aaron Reitz, a former U.S. Department of Justice official noted for his conservative views, are among them.
Read also: Nearly 1 in 4 Texas children is food insecure as state turns down federal summer meal funds
Johnson’s entry into the race is likely to give Texas Democrats a boost. Many of them are eager for a win after more than 30 years of losing statewide elections. The Republican Party has held every statewide office in Texas since 1994. Johnson wants to change that by appealing to people who are tired of partisan controversies and want a new leader.
“I’m not going to use the office to do what the Biden administration says or what the Trump administration says,” Johnson said in an interview, the Texas Tribune reported. “I’m going to use the office to do what it’s supposed to do, which is to make sure that everybody knows the rules and that everybody follows the rules, and then if you don’t follow the rules, there’s consequences.”
Read also: Texas AG Paxton orders shutdown of suspected fraudulent flood relief fundraiser in Texas
It’s still unclear if Johnson’s campaign can beat the strong Republican base, but his early start and clear message show that Democrats are getting ready for an uphill battle in 2026. The contest for Texas Attorney General has officially begun, and it looks like it will be one of the state’s most keenly watched political fights.
