Rep. Chip Roy is throwing his hat in the ring for Texas attorney general, and the Lone Star State’s political landscape just got a jolt, as Breitbart reports. The four-term congressman, known for his unapologetic conservative stance, aims to bring his prosecutorial grit and congressional clout to Austin. This move signals a new chapter for a man who’s never shied away from a fight.

Roy, representing Texas’s 21st Congressional District, announced his candidacy on Thursday, eyeing the 2026 election.

The current attorney general, Ken Paxton, is stepping away to challenge Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, leaving the AG seat open for the first time since 2014. Roy’s entry into the race adds a high-profile name to a growing field of contenders.

A member of the House Freedom Caucus, Roy has built a reputation as a fierce defender of limited government. His legislative record includes bold proposals like designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and banning congressional stock trading. These moves show he’s not afraid to tackle thorny issues, even if they ruffle feathers in Washington.

Roy’s conservative credentials

Roy’s resume reads like a conservative warrior’s playbook. He’s served on the House Rules, Budget, and Judiciary Committees, even chairing the Subcommittee on the Constitution. His leadership in the House Freedom Caucus as policy director underscores his influence in shaping the GOP’s right flank.

“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,” Roy said.

He’s right to call Texas exceptional, but his claim that representatives shouldn’t be permanent raises eyebrows -- nobody’s accusing him of term-limit hypocrisy yet, but four terms is a solid run. Still, his pivot to state politics feels like a natural fit for a man steeped in Texas’ legacy.

Before Congress, Roy cut his teeth as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Texas. He also served as first assistant attorney general under Paxton and as chief of staff to Sen. Ted Cruz, giving him a front-row seat to Texas’ legal and political battles.

This experience could make him a formidable AG, though his opponents might argue it’s just more of the same Austin insider game.

Crowded field emerges

Roy isn’t alone in the race. State Senators Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman, along with Aaron Reitz, a former Trump administration official and Paxton aide, are also vying for the Republican nomination. It’s a packed field, and Roy’s congressional profile gives him an edge, but Texas voters are famously discerning when it comes to their AG.

“I’m running to secure our great legacy of freedom,” Roy declared, emphasizing faith and family. That’s a pitch that resonates in Texas, where tradition runs deep, but it’ll need to stand up against Middleton’s grassroots momentum and Huffman’s legislative savvy. Reitz’s Trump ties could split the MAGA vote, making this primary a dogfight.

Roy’s legislative record is a double-edged sword. His push to block Chinese Communist Party land purchases and repeal the FACE Act, which he argues unfairly targets pro-life activists, will fire up the base. But critics might call these moves grandstanding, more about headlines than practical governance.

Texas roots run deep

Roy’s Texas credentials are unimpeachable. Raised in a family with a history of law enforcement and military service dating back to the 19th century, he’s got Lone Star pride in his DNA. That legacy could sway voters who see the AG’s office as a bulwark against federal overreach.

“Texas has a long and proud tradition of rising to defend our homes, our freedom, and our communities,” Roy said. It’s a stirring call, but opponents might counter that defending Texas starts with practical solutions, not just fiery rhetoric. Still, Roy’s track record suggests he’s ready to back up his words with action.

His time as a senior advisor at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and as an investment banking analyst shows a blend of policy wonk and private-sector hustle. Add in his stints with Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. John Cornyn, and Roy has a Rolodex that spans Texas’ political and economic elite. That network could be a boon—or a liability if voters smell establishment ties.

Bringing personal touch to politics

Roy lives in Dripping Springs with his wife, Carrah, and their two children, grounding him in the Hill Country’s tight-knit communities. His response to the recent devastating floods in the region inspired his run, showing a human side that could soften his hardline image. Empathy matters, especially when voters want an AG who gets their struggles.

“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,” Roy vowed. It’s a bold promise, but Texas demands results, not just bravado—Roy’s prosecutorial past will need to shine through. The primary will test whether his vision aligns with the state’s future.

With a law degree from the University of Texas and an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, Roy’s academic pedigree is solid. His blend of federal and state experience positions him as a candidate who can navigate both Austin and Washington. As the 2026 race heats up, Roy’s challenge will be turning his congressional swagger into a statewide mandate.