In a move that is likely to shape the 2026 Texas election landscape, Aaron Reitz, a former senior official in the U.S. Department of Justice, has officially announced his candidacy for Texas Attorney General. Known for his work on conservative legal issues and for his tenure in Texas’ legal and political circles, Reitz brings with him an extensive legal background that positions him as a key player in the race. His entry into the race comes as the current Attorney General, Ken Paxton, continues to face legal challenges and political scrutiny, leaving the position open for a new contender with fresh ideas and a track record in both federal and state legal matters.
Background and Professional Journey
Aaron Reitz has spent much of his career advocating for conservative legal reforms, particularly in areas such as constitutional law and federalism. After receiving his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law, Reitz served in various capacities that involved high-stakes legal battles over the federal government’s reach into state matters. In 2017, he joined the U.S. Department of Justice under the Trump administration, where he played a pivotal role in advancing legal policies that limited federal power over states’ rights. His work focused on challenging executive overreach, defending constitutional principles, and advocating for the rights of states to self-govern.
Reitz’s legal expertise has earned him accolades within Texas conservative circles, where he is seen as a staunch defender of state sovereignty and a critic of progressive legal agendas. His deep understanding of both state and federal law, coupled with his conservative values, make him an attractive candidate to Texas voters who feel that the current Attorney General has become too entangled in political and legal controversies.
Vision for the Future of Texas
In his campaign for Attorney General, Reitz has focused on several key issues that he believes are central to protecting Texas’ rights and values. One of his central themes is the need to combat federal overreach, particularly in areas such as environmental regulations, healthcare mandates, and immigration policy. He argues that the federal government’s influence over Texas has become excessive, particularly with the implementation of regulations that stifle business growth, limit individual freedoms, and infringe on states’ rights.
Reitz’s legal approach also includes prioritizing transparency and holding government agencies accountable for their actions. He emphasizes that as Attorney General, he would lead efforts to ensure that both state and local government actions remain in line with Texas law and the U.S. Constitution. He has also pledged to continue defending Texas in lawsuits that challenge the state’s sovereignty, including efforts to challenge unconstitutional federal policies and actions that conflict with the state’s values.
His commitment to taking a tough stance on illegal immigration is another key platform of his campaign. Reitz has vowed to continue pushing back against the Biden administration’s immigration policies, which he argues have resulted in a crisis on the southern border. He has promised to use the full power of the Attorney General’s office to protect Texas citizens from the impacts of illegal immigration and to safeguard the state’s resources.
Challenges in the Race
Despite his extensive experience and high-profile legal background, Reitz faces significant challenges as he enters the race for Attorney General. Texas Attorney General races are often fiercely contested, and with the state’s diverse political landscape, Reitz will need to appeal to both conservative and moderate voters. While he has strong support among Texas’ conservative base, especially those aligned with the Republican Party, he will have to convince more centrist voters that his approach to state and federal governance is pragmatic, rather than ideologically driven.
Additionally, Reitz’s campaign must address the lingering legal challenges faced by the current Attorney General, Ken Paxton. Paxton has been the subject of multiple investigations and lawsuits, including charges of securities fraud and allegations of abuse of office. While Paxton remains politically influential, his legal troubles may offer Reitz an opportunity to distance himself from a controversial incumbent and establish himself as a fresh voice in Texas politics.
Reitz’s Legal Philosophy: Conservative, Yet Practical
Throughout his career, Reitz has demonstrated a commitment to a legal philosophy that is both deeply conservative and pragmatic. His approach to constitutional law, particularly his defense of individual rights and state sovereignty, has made him a leading voice in Texas’ legal community. However, his legal philosophy also emphasizes practicality and the need for actionable solutions. For example, while Reitz is a staunch advocate for the Second Amendment and the rights of gun owners, he has also acknowledged the importance of addressing issues such as mental health and public safety in order to create a balanced approach to gun rights.
As Attorney General, Reitz has promised to advocate for legal reforms that are rooted in common sense and Texas values. His approach will likely appeal to voters who seek both conservative legal policies and effective governance. Reitz’s stance on various legal issues will be closely watched as he seeks to build a coalition of voters who share his vision for Texas’ legal future.
Conclusion
Aaron Reitz’s announcement for Attorney General in 2026 marks a pivotal moment in Texas politics. His combination of federal experience, legal expertise, and strong conservative values positions him as a formidable candidate in the race. As Texas voters evaluate their options, Reitz’s campaign will likely focus on issues that resonate deeply with the state’s conservative electorate, including his opposition to federal overreach, his defense of Texas’ rights, and his commitment to tackling illegal immigration.
