John Bash Exits Texas Attorney General Race Amid Health Concerns

John Bash, a former U.S. attorney and current lawyer for Elon Musk, has withdrawn from the race to succeed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, citing a family health scare and the need to prioritize his young family. Bash, who entered the race less than a month ago, was the first major candidate to announce a campaign following Paxton's decision to challenge Sen. John Cornyn for the U.S. Senate, leaving the attorney general's seat open. In his statement, Bash expressed continued confidence in his qualifications but said the timing was not right, and he praised state Sen. Mayes Middleton, now the only public candidate in the race, for his service to Texas. Bash's exit leaves Middleton as the sole contender for the position ahead of the 2026 election. Bash's background includes serving as a federal prosecutor and representing Musk in a high-profile defamation case. He also previously worked as a special assistant to President Donald Trump.