Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton is running for Texas attorney general in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Middleton, who represents Senate District 11, faces Democrat Nathan Johnson and Libertarian Tom Oxford on the ballot. Murphy, Wylie and Sachse voters will see the statewide race on their ballots. Middleton is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady.

Candidate information

Party: Republican

Office sought: Texas attorney general

Education: Middleton holds a bachelor's degree in Plan II Honors and a law degree, both from the University of Texas, according to BallotReady profile data. He has been licensed to practice law since 2008, according to his campaign website.

Personal: He is a seventh-generation Texan. Middleton said he rejects the state pension and health care and donates his entire state salary to local charities.

Experience and public service

Middleton serves as a state senator for District 11 in the Texas Senate. He said on his campaign website that he served as chairman of the Texas House Freedom Caucus.

Outside the Legislature, Middleton has worked as president of Middleton Oil Company and in ranching and farming operations, according to BallotReady.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Middleton's campaign website and his responses collected by BallotReady. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.

Property taxes: Middleton said property taxes are "spiraling out of control, threatening family homes and businesses." He called for limits on property tax growth and said he supports working toward eventual abolition of the property tax.

Border security: Middleton said he would aggressively enforce President Trump's border security agenda and deportation orders. He also called for securing the border and enforcing immigration laws.

Criminal justice: Middleton said he would lead efforts against district attorneys who decline to enforce the law. He also said he supports zero-tolerance policies for violent crime and stronger bonds for dangerous offenders.

Education: Middleton said he wants to expand educational opportunities. He called for starting over on the school finance system, including abolishing the Robin Hood redistribution program.

Government reform: Middleton said he wants to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying and called for binding ethics rules. He said anyone violating the trust of constituents "must be held harshly accountable."

The attorney general can enforce applicable laws, represent the state and pursue litigation within the office’s authority. Changes to taxes, public benefits or school funding generally require legislation and budget decisions; the attorney general cannot enact them alone.

Sources: Public campaign materials, published candidate profiles and the public records linked above. Policy statements are attributed to the candidate; funding or implementation details are included where available.

The Murphy-Wylie-Sachse Courier did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.