From Texas Oil Executive to Attorney General Candidate: The Rise of Mayes Middleton

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Born in a small unincorporated town, Mayes Middleton has built a career spanning energy, agriculture, and high-stakes Texas politics. A former chairman of the Texas Freedom Caucus, he has consistently positioned himself as a staunch conservative, recently securing the Republican nomination for Texas Attorney General in the 2026 election cycle.

David Mayes Middleton II, born in 1981 in Wallisville, Texas, has cultivated a multifaceted professional life. Educated at The Kinkaid School and the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned both a finance degree and a Juris Doctor, Middleton balances his legislative duties with his role as president of Middleton Oil Company. This independent energy firm operates across South Texas and the Gulf Coast. Beyond the oil patch, he manages extensive ranching, cattle, and farming operations across five Texas counties, while also serving on the board of First Liberty National Bank.

Middleton’s political trajectory began in earnest in 2018 when he successfully challenged a two-term incumbent for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. During his tenure in the House, he led the Texas Freedom Caucus, a group known for its conservative legislative agenda. His transition to the Texas Senate in 2023 marked a continuation of this focus, where he has served on various committees, including Jurisprudence and State Affairs. Throughout his time in the legislature, he has consistently been ranked among the most conservative members of the body.

In April 2025, Middleton launched his campaign for Texas Attorney General, seeking to succeed the retiring Ken Paxton. His primary campaign was defined by a strong alignment with the MAGA movement and the endorsement of Donald Trump, who previously backed his Senate run. After securing 39.1% of the vote in a crowded primary, Middleton defeated U.S. Representative Chip Roy in a runoff election with 55.2% of the vote. He now prepares for the general election, where he faces Democratic state senator Nathan Johnson, aiming to bring his background in law and business to the state's top legal office.

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