John Bash (left) and Mayes Middleton
AUSTIN – Two candidates have stepped forward this month hoping to replace Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging Sen. John Cornyn for his seat.
John Bash, who has gained some name recognition working as Elon Musk’s attorney, announced his candidacy first on April 9.
“I’m running for Texas Attorney General because our great state needs the toughest, most battle-tested attorney to lead the fight to keep our communities safe, defend our constitutional rights, and make sure Texas remains a leader in innovation and growth,” he said. “Let’s get to work.”
Bash, a partner at Quinn Emanuel, served in the U.S. Department of Justice as an assistant to the solicitor general before becoming the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas.
He also served as special assistant to President Trump.
Less than a week after Bash announced his candidacy, state Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, threw his hat into the ring April 15.
Middleton was first elected to the House in 2019 before joining the senate in 2023. In that time, he has raised more than $8.1 million in contributions, according to followthemoney.org.
An oil and gas man, Middleton has pledged $10 million of his own money toward the race.
Claiming to be a “steadfast ally” of President Trump, Middleton’s platform keeps with other conservative politicians in Texas: secure the border; uphold pro-life laws; champion the second amendment; election integrity; and “shut down the woke left’s radical gender agenda.”
Both Middleton and Bash are promising to crack down on “rogue” district attorneys within the state.
Middleton, who ranks among the most conservative members of the Texas Legislature, represents District 11, which encompasses portions of Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris Counties.
Bash, a Harvard-educated litigator, clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia and Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Neither Bash or Middleton responded to requests for comment.
