Texas AG Paxton, Sen. Cruz Endorse Rival GOP Successors

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has endorsed his former deputy, Aaron Reitz, to succeed him as the state's next attorney general as Paxton campaigns for the U.S. Senate. Paxton praised Reitz as fully vetted, battle-tested, and ready to continue fighting against what they describe as threats from big government, Big Tech, and the Biden administration, emphasizing Reitz's role in leading high-profile legal battles on issues including border security, election integrity, and Second Amendment rights. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has endorsed Rep. Chip Roy, a former chief of staff both to Cruz and Paxton, who has been critical of Paxton and called for his resignation amid legal controversies. The endorsements highlight a split among prominent Texas Republicans, with Reitz positioning himself as the heir to Paxton's legacy and Roy emphasizing his long-term service and conservative credentials. Both candidates have strong ties to Paxton and Cruz, but differ sharply on loyalty and approach, reflecting broader intra-party dynamics in Texas. Other Republican candidates remain in the race, but the contest has largely centered on the dueling endorsements of Paxton and Cruz.