Politics

FIREWORKS ERUPT: Texas GOP Heavyweights CLASH in Battle to Replace Ken Paxton as Attorney General

Gary FranchiFebruary 18, 2026187 views
FIREWORKS ERUPT: Texas GOP Heavyweights CLASH in Battle to Replace Ken Paxton as Attorney General
Photo by Generated on Unsplash

The gloves came off Tuesday night as four heavyweight Texas Republicans went to war on the debate stage, each vying to become the Lone Star State's next Attorney General in what promises to be one of the most consequential GOP primaries of 2026.

In a no-holds-barred showdown moderated by conservative firebrand Allie Beth Stuckey of Blaze Media, Congressman Chip Roy and attorney Aaron Reitz delivered devastating attacks on their opponents' records, with accusations of "loser mentality" flying across the stage as each candidate fought to prove their America First credentials.

The debate, which Stuckey described as "the only debate to feature all four Republican candidates," showcased the deep divisions within the Texas GOP as conservatives battle for the right to carry forward Ken Paxton's legacy of taking on the Biden regime and standing up to federal overreach.

Roy Goes Nuclear on Opponents

Congressman Roy, known for his fierce conservative advocacy in the House, didn't pull punches as he slammed his competitors for lacking the fight necessary to take on the Deep State and protect Texas values. The Freedom Caucus member positioned himself as the only candidate with the proven track record to stand up to federal tyranny.

"We need a fighter, not someone with a loser mentality who will fold when the pressure mounts," one candidate was heard declaring, though the specific target of this verbal missile wasn't immediately clear from initial reports.

"Texas deserves an Attorney General who will put America First and Texas First, not someone who will cave to the establishment when it matters most."

The heated exchanges highlight just how much is at stake in this race. With Trump back in the White House implementing his America First agenda, Texas Republicans know they need a bulldog AG who will complement the President's efforts while standing firm against any federal overreach that might emerge from future Democrat administrations.

As these conservative warriors continue their battle for the GOP nomination, one thing is crystal clear: Texas Republicans refuse to settle for weak leadership. The question now is which candidate can prove they have the backbone to carry Ken Paxton's torch forward.

Which Texas conservative do you think has what it takes to be Trump's strongest ally in the Attorney General's office?

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Gary Franchi

Award-winning journalist covering breaking news, politics & culture for Next News Network.

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T
TexasPatriot1836Verifiedjust now
About time! We need an AG who will actually fight for Texas values and secure our border. Paxton was good but we need fresh blood with the same fire.
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RedStateRealistVerifiedjust now
Agreed! The border crisis demands an AG who won't back down from Biden's DOJ.
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ConservativeMom47Verifiedjust now
This is going to be HUGE for 2024! Whoever wins this race better be ready to take on the leftist agenda in our schools and protect our kids.
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LawAndOrderTXVerifiedjust now
I've been watching Texas politics for 30 years and this AG race could be a game-changer for the entire conservative movement. The stakes couldn't be higher with all the lawfare against Trump and other Republicans.
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ProudTexan88Verifiedjust now
FINALLY some action! The GOP establishment better not try to pick our candidate for us.
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LoneStarLibertyVerifiedjust now
I'm all for competition, but I hope these candidates don't tear each other apart. We need unity to beat whatever Democrat they throw at us.
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GOPStrongVerifiedjust now
Good point. Primary fights can get nasty but we have to remember the real enemy is the radical left.
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TexasBusinessOwnerVerifiedjust now
As a small business owner, I need an AG who understands the regulatory burden we face. Paxton fought federal overreach - his successor better do the same!
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BorderDefender22Verifiedjust now
Who are the main candidates so far? I want someone with prosecutorial experience who's actually been tough on crime.
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ConstitutionalConservativeVerifiedjust now
This is exactly what our party needs - healthy competition among strong conservatives. May the best constitutional warrior win!
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FredomFighter2024Verifiedjust now
100% this! Iron sharpens iron.