Nathan Johnson advances to Texas Democratic attorney general primary runoff: AP projects

Nathan Johnson advances to Texas Democratic attorney general primary runoff: AP projects

Nathan Johnson Advances to Texas Democratic Attorney General Primary Runoff: AP Projects

The Associated Press has projected that Nathan Johnson, a three-term Democratic state senator from Dallas, will advance to the May 26 runoff in Texas' attorney general Democratic primary, following March 3 primary results. Johnson, who has represented District 16 since 2019, will face either Joe Jaworski or Tony Box in the runoff after none of the three candidates secured a majority of votes.

Johnson's campaign has emphasized restoring integrity to the attorney general's office, a role currently held by Republican Ken Paxton, who is seeking the U.S. Senate nomination. Campaign finance disclosures show Johnson raised $1,243,565 and spent $1,537,864 in the 2024 cycle, reflecting competitive fundraising in a crowded race. His opponent in the general election will likely be the winner of the Republican runoff between Mayes Middleton and Chip Roy, both prominent conservative figures.

The attorney general race has drawn significant attention due to Paxton's vacant seat and the office's broad responsibilities, including consumer protection, legal representation of the state, and oversight of law enforcement activities. Johnson's platform includes prioritizing consumer advocacy, combating political corruption, and enhancing collaboration with local prosecutors— a contrast to Paxton's contentious tenure marked by impeachment proceedings and partisan controversies.

With the May runoff approaching, the Democratic primary will determine the nominee who faces the Republican winner in November. The outcome will shape the leadership of Texas' top legal office, which plays a critical role in state governance and enforcement of laws affecting businesses and residents.

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Sources: (https://www.fox7austin.com/election/texas-primaries-runoff-race-gop-attorney-general) Fox7Austin, (https://ballotpedia.org/Nathan_Johnson_(Texas)) Ballotpedia, (https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/texas-primary-election-results-2026-general-election-ballot/) Texas Standard.