Texas Rep Chip Roy advances to runoff for GOP nomination for state attorney general

Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy advanced to a runoff against state Sen. Mayes Middleton in the attorney general primary race.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Roy had about 31% of the vote, compared to 39% for Middleton, with 98% of the vote counted, according to an Associated Press' tally. A runoff is triggered when no candidate reaches the 50% vote threshold. 

They are competing to advance to the November general election for the post now held by Ken Paxton, who forgoing reelection to run for Senate.

Middleton and fellow GOP candidate Aaron Reitz criticized Roy for breaking with President Trump in the past and calling Paxton, a fellow Republican, to resign after he faced charges of bribery and abuse, POLITICO reported.

Trump did not make an endorsement in the race.

Roy, the House Freedom Caucus policy chairman who has represented Texas’ 21st Congressional District since 2019, earned a reputation in Congress as a conservative ideologue. He led in polling and fundraising and has been endorsed by other conservatives like fellow Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Freedom Caucus representatives.

Trump once called for Roy to face a primary challenge, so it is unclear what he will do in the runoff.