Former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski Mounts Second Bid for Texas AG

Joe Jaworski, an attorney and former Galveston mayor, has launched a second bid for Texas attorney general, saying the state needs “an advocate for the people of Texas, rather than a general counsel for a political party.” The Democrat made the announcement on 17 July, three years after losing the 2022 primary runoff to civil-rights lawyer Rochelle Garza. Jaworski enters what is expected to be a competitive Democratic primary that already includes state Senator Nathan Johnson of Dallas. He argues that stronger name recognition, a new campaign team led by former state representative Diana Arévalo, and the absence of an incumbent on the 2026 ballot improve his prospects this time. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is foregoing re-election to pursue a U.S. Senate seat, opening the job for the first time in more than a decade. Jaworski said his platform will emphasize expanding voter access, consumer protection and rooting out public corruption, positions he believes can appeal to moderate voters in a potentially volatile election cycle.