Poll: Roy, Middleton Likely Heading for Runoff in Texas AG Race

FROM LEFT: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (Photo by U.S. House) and State Sen. Mayes Middleton (Photo by Campaign)

A new poll from the University of Houston is showing several major Texas Republican primary contests likely heading to runoffs.

For Attorney General, Texas Republicans are choosing between four Republicans to replace outgoing incumbent Ken Paxton. Leading the pack is U.S. Rep. Chip Roy at 33 percent, followed by State Sen. Mayes Middleton at 23 percent. State Sen. Joan Huffman is sitting in third place at 13 percent, while Paxton-endorsed former federal attorney Aaron Reitz is sitting at 6 percent. 25 percent remain undecided.

This result would set up a runoff between Roy and Middleton that would knock out the preferred candidate of Paxton, Reitz. Both Roy and Middleton have been touting their legislative accomplishments in the campaign, as well as their support for President Donald Trump.

In the race for Texas Comptroller, former State Sen. Don Huffines is polling as the heavy favorite. Huffines is pulling in 33 percent, trailed by Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick at 21 percent, former State Sen. and appointed incumbent Kelly Hancock at 13 percent, and San Antonio-based accountant Michael Berlanga at 4 percent.

Huffines is being boosted by strong support from the conservative community, including an endorsement by Sen. Ted Cruz, while Craddick has been highlighting her time as a member of the Railroad Commission of Texas. Hancock, meanwhile, has been highlighting his endorsement from Gov. Greg Abbott.

For Texas Agriculture Commissioner, incumbent Sid Miller is polling as the strong favorite to win another term in office. Miller is currently leading Nate Sheets, a businessman, with 48 percent to 18 percent. The poll was conducted right around the time Sheets earned an endorsement from Abbott.

Finally, for Railroad Commissioner, incumbent Jim Wright appears to be locked in a tight race. Wright is polling at 21 percent, followed by Marine Corps veteran Jim Matlock at 20 percent, engineer Katherine Culbert at 8 percent, former Tarrant County Republican Chairman Bo French at 6 percent, and oil industry worker Hawk Dunlap at 4 percent.

The Republican primary election will be decided on March 3rd.