Texas Rep. Chip Roy, a fourth-term Republican representing the 21st Congressional District, has entered the race for Texas attorney general facing renewed criticism from members of his own party. Critics argue his past actions conflict with conservative priorities on child protection, party loyalty and law enforcement accountability.

The most recent flashpoint centers on Roy’s role in a federal bill aimed at restricting gender transition procedures for minors. Conservative activists say Roy undermined the legislation by supporting changes that would have left enforcement largely to individual states, a move they argue would allow Democratic-led states to continue permitting the procedures.

The legislation, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, was introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and sought to impose federal criminal penalties related to certain medical gender-transition procedures for minors under Congress’ interstate commerce authority. 

According to a Texas Family Project analysis, Roy supported or proposed an amendment that narrowed federal jurisdiction, limiting enforcement primarily to federally funded facilities, federal property or cases involving interstate transport of minors. Critics said the change effectively shifted decision-making back to the states.

“This would leave blue states free to continue these practices,” conservative commentator Bentley L. posted on X, arguing the amendment weakened the bill’s child-protection intent. 

Similar criticism circulated widely among Texas conservatives online, with opponents accusing Roy of prioritizing constitutional theory over national enforcement.

Roy has said he opposes gender-transition procedures for minors but believes Congress lacks constitutional authority to impose a sweeping federal ban. In statements cited by Texas Family Project, Roy argued that a narrower approach would be more likely to withstand legal challenges and pass the Senate.

The episode is the latest in a series of moments that have placed Roy at odds with segments of the Republican base.

Roy has also drawn criticism for his public opposition to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. A former chief of staff to Paxton, Roy called for Paxton’s resignation in October 2020 following allegations raised by senior aides. 

During Paxton’s 2023 impeachment trial, Roy publicly supported impeachment witnesses, including former Texas Ranger David Maxwell, whom Roy described as having “rock solid” integrity. Paxton was ultimately acquitted by the Texas Senate, and many Republican voters viewed the impeachment effort as politically motivated.

Roy’s stance on the impeachment further alienated some conservatives who regard Paxton as a leading legal ally in battles against the Biden administration.

Earlier in his tenure, Roy also broke with party activists following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He voted to certify the 2020 presidential election results and publicly opposed efforts to remove Rep. Liz Cheney from House Republican leadership after she voted to impeach President Donald Trump. 

In a Jan. 13, 2021, press release, Roy said Trump’s conduct leading up to Jan. 6 was “wrong, troubling, and impeachable,” while praising Cheney for acting on her convictions.

Those actions contributed to Roy’s strained relationship with Trump and the MAGA wing of the party.

Two of Roy’s opponents in the Republican attorney general primary have gone on record to criticize Roy’s track record.

State Sen. Mayes Middleton said Roy repeatedly undermined Trump and made judgment calls incompatible with the attorney general’s role.

“Chip said Trump committed impeachable conduct, siding with Liz Cheney against Trump and fought to keep her in charge of the House Republican Conference,” Middleton said. “While I fought to ban child transgender surgeries, Chip Roy was fighting to allow Gavin Newsom to continue this evil practice of child mutilation.”

Middleton added that Trump had condemned Roy as a “RINO,” while endorsing Middleton as a “True MAGA Champion.”

Aaron Reitz, an assistant attorney general under Paxton and another GOP primary challenger, echoed those criticisms, accusing Roy of long-standing hostility toward both Trump and Paxton.

“Chip has described the President as ‘wrong, troubling, and impeachable,’ aligned himself with Mike Pence and Liz Cheney, and even traveled the country during the 2024 cycle opposing Trump’s nomination,” Reitz said. Reitz also cited Roy’s early call for Paxton’s removal and his support for impeachment witnesses as evidence of what he called “Paxton Derangement Syndrome.”

Reitz said his own candidacy offers a contrast, noting an endorsement from Paxton and an event where President Trump called him his “true MAGA attorney” and a “warrior for our Constitution.”

Katy and Fort Bend Christian Magazines requested comment from Roy and his campaign multiple times. He did not respond before publication.

Roy’s supporters argue his record reflects constitutional restraint and independence rather than ideological drift, while critics say those same decisions show a pattern of breaking with Republican voters during critical moments. The Republican primary for attorney general is expected to test which view resonates with GOP voters as the race moves forward.

 

Feature Photo: U.S. Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons