Congress is about to get hit with a major shakeup. Things are about to get very interesting in the U.S. Capitol.
And Congress gets turned upside down thanks to this Republican’s surprising announcement.
Chip Roy’s Bid for Texas Attorney General in 2026
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), a four-term congressman and staunch House Freedom Caucus member, has thrown his hat into the ring for Texas Attorney General in 2026. Known for his unwavering commitment to conservative principles, Roy aims to bring his extensive experience back to his home state, vowing to safeguard Texas’s legacy of freedom and security.
Roy’s announcement reflects a deep personal calling to “come home” and serve Texas families at the state level. “It has been my honor to represent the 21st Congressional District of Texas — the best part of the best state in the greatest country in the history of the world. But representatives should not be permanent,” he said.
Inspired by the resilience of Texans during the recent Hill Country floods, Roy emphasized his desire to leverage his diverse background to fight for the state’s future from within its borders.
In a dynamic announcement video, Roy didn’t hold back, pointing to threats he sees looming over Texas—from “radical Democrats” and George Soros-funded prosecutors to lax border policies and foreign corporate influence. His campaign vows to prioritize robust border security, unwavering support for law enforcement, election integrity, and protecting Texas land from entities tied to the Chinese Communist Party.
“I’m running to secure our great legacy of freedom. I’m running for God, for our families, and for our shared faith. I’m running for Texas,” Roy declared.
The race is shaping up to be a fierce contest, as the Attorney General seat opens for the first time since 2014, with incumbent Ken Paxton challenging Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in the 2026 Republican Senate primary. Roy joins a competitive field that includes state Senators Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman, as well as Aaron Reitz, a former Trump administration official and aide to Paxton, setting the stage for a high-stakes Republican primary.
Roy’s congressional tenure has been marked by his influential roles on the Rules, Budget, and Judiciary Committees. He also chaired the Subcommittee on the Constitution and served as policy director for the House Freedom Caucus.
His legislative record includes bold proposals, such as designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, blocking land purchases by the Chinese Communist Party, banning stock trading by members of Congress, and repealing the FACE Act, which he says has been weaponized against pro-life activists.
Beyond government, Roy has worked as an investment banking analyst and at the Texas Public Policy Foundation as a senior advisor, showcasing a versatility that strengthens his candidacy.
His family’s deep ties to Texas, with a history of law enforcement and military service stretching back to the 19th century, fuel his passion for the state.
“Texas has a long and proud tradition of rising to defend our homes, our freedom, and our communities,” Roy noted in a press release. “I’m running for Attorney General to carry on that legacy — unafraid to fight, unafraid to win, and unafraid to defend Texas at every turn.”
Republicans’ Urgent Task to Hold Roy’s Congressional Seat
Roy’s decision to leave Congress creates a critical challenge for House Republicans, who cling to a fragile majority. Roy’s congressional district is a must-hold seat to maintain the party’s slim edge in the House. Losing it could shift the balance of power, making the selection of Roy’s successor a high-priority mission for the GOP.
The party must move quickly to rally behind a candidate who can embody Roy’s conservative fire while appealing to the district’s voters. The Republican primary will be a proving ground, where a potentially crowded field could test party unity.
To secure the seat, GOP leaders will need to mobilize resources, energize the base, and craft a message that resonates with the district.
With the 2026 midterms approaching, national political currents and local dynamics will play a significant role in voter turnout. The stakes couldn’t be higher—retaining this seat is not just about one district but about preserving the GOP’s ability to shape the nation’s legislative agenda in a tightly divided Congress.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
