AUSTIN, Texas — Aaron Reitz, a former candidate in the Republican primary for Texas attorney general, announced his endorsement of state Sen. Mayes Middleton ahead of the May 26 runoff election.
Reitz, who received more than 250,000 votes in the primary, backed Middleton over U.S. Rep. Chip Roy in a statement released this week, outlining what he described as key qualifications for the office.
The runoff comes after Middleton and Roy advanced from a crowded Republican primary to replace outgoing Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is leaving the post to run for U.S. Senate.
“In my last public statement, I said that the next Attorney General of Texas must have three qualities,” Reitz said. “First, he must be a staunch and loyal ally to President Trump. Second, he must carry forward the fighting legacy of Attorney General Paxton. And third, he must recognize that we are in a real war for the soul of our state and nation.”
Reitz said Middleton meets those criteria and offered his “enthusiastic endorsement” in the runoff.
Reitz pointed to Middleton’s alignment with former President Donald Trump as a central factor in his decision, contrasting it with Roy’s past criticism of Trump.
“Trump described Mayes as a ‘very effective leader’ and said his ‘voting record on Conservative issues is second to none,’” Reitz said. He added that Roy had previously described Trump as “wrong, troubling, and impeachable” and had been a vocal critic during the 2024 Republican presidential primary.
Reitz also cited Middleton’s record in public office, saying it demonstrates continuity with the priorities of Paxton.
“Mayes’s record in public service shows that he has the mind, heart, and willpower to keep his foot on the gas after Attorney General Paxton leaves office,” Reitz said.
In contrast, Reitz criticized Roy’s past positions regarding Paxton, including calls for his resignation and support for impeachment proceedings.
Reitz further framed the race as part of a broader ideological conflict, saying Middleton has taken action on issues such as election integrity, border security and restrictions on foreign land ownership.
“Mayes understands we’re in a real war with the radical Left and has led accordingly,” Reitz said.
The endorsement adds to Middleton’s growing list of support from Republican figures, as the race has become one of the most closely watched statewide contests this election cycle.
He also criticized Roy’s record, citing remarks he attributed to Trump describing Roy as “just another ambitious guy” who has “not done a great job.”
Reitz encouraged his supporters to back Middleton in the runoff.
“In sum, Mayes has my full backing for Attorney General, and I encourage all my former donors and voters to throw their support behind Mayes too,” he said.
