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Aaron Reitz Enters Ring in Texas AG Fight
that's New Game if Huffman Joins the Field
Capitol Inside
June 13, 2025
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appeared to annoint a potential successor on Friday when he expressed his elation on former aide Aaron Reitz's emergence as a Republican candidate for the state lawyer's post that State Senator Mayes Middleton is seeking in the GOP primary election in 2026 as well.
State Senator Joan Huffman could be a wild card in the Republican scramble for attorney general as a potential contender who could expect to have big business and tort reform interests in her corner if decided to run. Huffman would not have to give up her Senate seat in the Houston area if she fell short in a statewide race for the position that Paxton won initially in 2014.
The prospects for a Huffman campaign could explain why Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has kept his powder dry in the AG's competition up to now. Patrick threw his muscle behind State Rep. Dennis Paul of Houston last month on the same day that he launched a campaign for Middleton's Senate seat.
Patrick paved the way for Middleton's promotion to the upper chamber in 2022 when he yanked his support from an incumbent Senate Republican who'd been a longtime ally. Middleton was widely perceived as Patrick's protege and heir apparent for the Senate president's post. But Patrick has been mum on the AG's race in the midst of speculation on a second Senate Republican in the field with Huffman as a possible contender.
Paxton, who's running for the U.S. Senate next year, heaped praise on Reitz in a social media post that he did not characterize as an official endorsement.
"Aaron & I have fought many battles together," Paxton said on X. "Reitz was my “offensive coordinator” directing actions on border security, immigration, Big Tech, energy, pro-life, Bill of Rights, & election integrity. I agree with President Trump: Reitz is a “true MAGA attorney” & “warrior for our Constitution” I’m excited Aaron is in this race!"
A former chief of staff for U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and deputy attorney general under Paxton, Reitz worked at the Department of Justice as a division director who served as an adviser to the Trump administration on legal policy and appointments. Reitz resigned from DOJ to pursue the bid for statewide office in the Lone Star State.
Reitz threw his hat into the ring on Friday after teasing a campaign for AG for several days. Reitz received a plug from FBI Director Kash Patel this week in a post that described the Texan as "a personal friend, great American, and a relentless advocate for law and order" on a mission now.
"I've been in the trenches with America's toughest conservatives and I've got the battle scars to prove it," Reitz said in a post today on X. "I wear those scars proudly because Texas is the last stand. When I'm Attorney General, all those who want to tear down our state will learn you don’t mess with Texas!"
While Paxton's support is priceless in a Republican primary as a hero to the MAGA base, Middleton could still be the favorite on paper as a result of family wealth that he can tap for the race. But all bets would be off if Huffman or another candidate with the Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC behind them dove into the fray.
more to come ...
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