Sen. Nathan Johnson to Enter Attorney General Race Amid Turmoil in Office

Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson is expected to formally announce his candidacy for Attorney General on July 15, entering a race for one of the state’s most influential positions, as first reported by The Quorum Report.

Representing Dallas County’s Senate District 16, Johnson has gained bipartisan respect since his election in 2018, building a legislative portfolio centered on healthcare expansion, energy infrastructure, and government accountability. With a background in physics and law, Johnson combines policy depth with legal experience, currently practicing litigation at Thompson Coburn LLP.

His announcement comes as the Attorney General’s office faces deep internal unrest. Current AG Ken Paxton is stepping down to run against Sen. John Cornyn, but leaves behind a trail of controversy. A recent lawsuit from a former executive assistant has surfaced allegations of sexual harassment and inaction by Paxton’s former top aides, igniting bar complaints and countersuits that have further damaged the office’s credibility. While Paxton is not named in the suit, the scandal underscores long-standing concerns about the culture and leadership at the state’s top law enforcement agency.

For Johnson, the moment presents both opportunity and contrast. According to The Texas Tribune, he has indicated that his decision to run is based on where he can be “most useful,” weighing public service against electoral potential.