'I bring all that experience': Huffman touts record in race for Texas Attorney General

AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Texas Sen. Joan Huffman is throwing her hat into the crowded Republican primary for Attorney General of Texas.

Huffman, who has served in the Texas Senate since 2008, said her experience sets her apart from the other candidates in the race. Other candidates vying for the Republican nomination include U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Assistant Attorney General for the United States Department of Justice's Office of Legal Policy Aaron Reitz and Texas State Sen. Mayes Middleton.

Incumbent Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is not running for reelection, instead mounting a campaign for U.S. Senate against incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn.

“Well, you know, Ken Paxton has done a good job at certain things… But there's so much more that we can do, and I'd bring my experience, 16 years as a prosecutor. You know, I've been a twice elected criminal district court judge, and been in the legislature as a Texas State Senator since 2009. I bring all that experience,” Huffman said.

She highlighted her work on bail reform legislation like the Damon Allen Act which prohibits defendants charged with a violent offense from being released on bond. The law is named after DPS Trooper Damon Allen, who was shot and killed in 2017 during a traffic stop. The killer had been jailed for previously attacking a deputy, but was released after a plea deal.

Huffman pointed to her efforts this session on additional bail reform legislation, saying it shows her ability to work to protect Texans.

"We've always been focused on violent offenders keeping them locked up to protect Texans, and it has been a challenge. We kept finding a roadblock in the House with some of the Democrats in the House. I did a pretty good job of getting it out of the Senate. Eventually this session, you know, I was able, through just working with the Democrats and all the Republicans, to get it almost unanimously out of the Senate," Huffman said.

"I've worked very hard on this, worked with victims, the prosecutor's office, and law enforcement throughout the state. I have a great working relationship with all those folks, and I think we're finally there where it's going to make a difference," Huffman added.

Huffman said her contact with crime victims has had a profound impact on her work.

"When I think about my whole career, what always still touches me is the contact that I've had with victims' families. And so, you know, I think of the little girl who was raped and murdered and left in an attic... Nicole Benton, I still remember her name. The man who did that to her has since been executed. I always have seen myself as, you know, the voice for that family, and I want to keep doing that for Texans," Huffman said.

The Republican primary for Texas Attorney General is scheduled for March 3, 2026