The record outlined here builds a specific line of attack just as Texas Republicans head toward a contested attorney general runoff, with State Sen. Mayes Middleton’s past votes now under renewed scrutiny.
Across multiple legislative sessions, Middleton cast votes against a series of bills that ultimately passed with broad bipartisan support and were signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. These measures covered a wide range of issues—law enforcement protections, family violence statutes, child sex trafficking initiatives, and policies with potential immigration consequences—creating a paper trail that opponents can now consolidate into a single narrative.
Just a year ago, Mayes Middleton was introducing legislation that would open the door to Sharia developments and strip local control to block it. We can’t win a war we don’t recognize we’re in.
Texas cannot fall. Texas needs an experienced and aggressive AG who understands the… pic.twitter.com/SGkXORVWwK
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) April 8, 2026
In 2021, Middleton voted against legislation increasing penalties for crimes committed against public servants, including police officers. The bill drew backing from several law enforcement organizations, with representatives from major departments and associations offering testimony in support. He also opposed a measure that elevated assaults on process servers, including county constables, to felony offenses, despite overwhelming support in the House.
That same session included a bill extending address confidentiality protections to prosecutors, allowing them to shield their home addresses from public records tied to driver’s licenses. Middleton voted against that as well, even as it passed comfortably and was enacted.
Just a year ago, Mayes Middleton was introducing legislation that would open the door to Sharia developments and strip local control to block it. We can’t win a war we don’t recognize we’re in.
Texas cannot fall. Texas needs an experienced and aggressive AG who understands the… pic.twitter.com/SGkXORVWwK
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) April 8, 2026
The pattern extends beyond law enforcement. Middleton opposed legislation tied to family violence, including a 2019 bill expanding when courts must formally record findings of family violence in criminal judgments. Those findings can carry legal consequences, including immigration-related outcomes. In 2023, he also voted against a measure that made it easier for victims to obtain protective orders by removing the requirement to prove future harm—a change that passed the Senate with near-unanimous support.
On child sex trafficking, Middleton voted against two separate bills. One created a statewide initiative and restricted contracts with entities linked to trafficking concerns. Another established a grant program to fund dedicated shelters for victims. Both measures passed with strong margins and received support from law enforcement groups, including the Houston Police Department.
FULL SPEECH: Texas State Senator Mayes Middleton Addresses CPAC 2026 – 03/26/26 pic.twitter.com/JGlPUPFA3p
— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) March 26, 2026
More recently, in 2023, Middleton opposed a bill establishing a task force to study organized retail theft, a proposal that passed the Senate 28-3.
As Middleton prepares to face Rep. Chip Roy in the Republican runoff for attorney general, these votes are likely to remain central points of contrast.
