TEXAS — U.S. Representative Chip Roy and Galveston oil and gas executive Mayes Middleton advanced to a May 26 runoff for Texas attorney general after neither candidate cleared 50% of the vote in the March primary. Middleton finished first in the first round of voting on March 3.

Middleton has put more than $15 million of his own money into his attorney general campaign, and he more than doubled Roy's $5 million in ad buys before the March 3 contest. According to AdImpact, Roy outspent Middleton in the runoff by more than $1 million, and both campaigns are expected to increase spending in the days leading up to the runoff.

Businessman Alex Fairly has given $2.75 million to Roy's attorney general campaign, making him Roy's biggest financial supporter. Fairly contributed $1.75 million in new money since the runoff began and forgave a $1 million loan he had provided to Roy during the primary.

"The nation's attorneys general follow Texas, so experience and preparation matter," Fairly said. "One guy has prepared for the job, has worked in law enforcement, has worked in the attorney general's office, has practiced law. Chip is the only one in the race who is able and prepared to do the job."

Roy was Attorney General Ken Paxton's top deputy when Paxton first assumed office in 2015, and he led the attorney general's office's legal battles against the Obama administration. He handled criminal cases as an assistant U.S. attorney, worked as a top adviser to Governor Rick Perry and Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, and served four terms in Congress representing a Central Texas district.

Middleton inherited his family's oil and gas company in 2013 and holds a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. His role at the company involves civil litigation.

Middleton criticized Roy's relationship with Paxton and President Donald Trump. Roy said that Trump engaged in "clearly impeachable conduct" on January 6, 2021, and he has helped impede some of Trump's legislative priorities over spending concerns.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick endorsed Middleton in the runoff and posted criticisms of Roy on social media. Patrick said Middleton is a "proven, unapologetic MAGA conservative." Patrick wrote on social media: "Mayes Middleton will work hand-in-hand with the Governor, the Legislature, the Department of Justice, and President Trump to make the Texas Attorney General's office the strongest in the nation — relentlessly defending our laws and our Constitution."

In leaked audio obtained by the Texas Bullpen, Paxton said he would vote for Middleton over Roy but did not endorse either candidate in the runoff.

"All these people say Mayes is a great guy and he's always worked with us. But that's a point that isn't on the center of the bullseye, which is, are you ready, able and equipped to do the job?" Fairly said.