Mayes Middleton seeks Texas attorney general seat

State Sen. Mayes Middleton, a Republican representing District 11, is running for Texas attorney general. He faces Democrat Nathan Johnson and Libertarian Tom Oxford.

Middleton, who said he has been licensed to practice law since 2008, has centered his campaign on property tax relief, border security and holding public officials accountable, according to his campaign website.

Candidate information

Party: Republican
Office sought: Texas attorney general
Education: Juris doctor and bachelor's degree in Plan II Honors, both from the University of Texas, according to BallotReady
Background: Middleton said he is a seventh-generation Texan. He said he has rejected the state pension and health care benefits and donates his entire state salary to local charities.

Experience and public service

Middleton serves as a state senator for District 11 in the Texas Senate. He said he served as chairman of the Texas House Freedom Caucus. BallotReady also lists him as president of Middleton Oil Company and as having ranching and farming operations.

On the issues

The following positions are stated by Middleton on his campaign website:

Property taxes: Middleton said property taxes threaten family homes and businesses. He called for "… iron-clad limits on property tax growth and meaningful relief, while simultaneously working towards eventual abolition." He also said he wants to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying and enforce open records laws so taxpayers can track government spending.

Border security and immigration: Middleton said he wants to enforce immigration laws, secure the border and sue to stop what he called sanctuary cities. He said he would aggressively enforce President Trump's border security agenda and deportation orders.

Criminal justice: Middleton said he would lead efforts against district attorneys who refuse to enforce the law. He called for zero-tolerance policies for violent crime, stronger bonds for dangerous offenders and efforts to combat human trafficking.

Education: Middleton said the state should start over on school funding. He said the state should "… totally start over, including abolishing the Robin Hood redistribution of wealth program and making sure teachers and classrooms come first." He also said he wants to expand educational opportunities.

Energy: Middleton said he would protect oil and gas jobs and Texas energy independence.