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Democrat Joe Jaworski to run for Texas attorney general again | Houston Public Media

In a significant development for Texas politics, Democrat Joe Jaworski has announced his intention to run for the position of Texas Attorney General once again in the 2026 election cycle. Jaworski, a seasoned attorney and former mayor of Galveston, is positioning himself as a formidable challenger to the incumbent Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has held the office since 2015. This announcement, covered by Houston Public Media, signals Jaworski’s determination to bring a Democratic perspective to one of the most powerful legal positions in the state, amidst a political landscape that has been dominated by Republican leadership for decades.

Jaworski’s decision to run again comes after his previous bid for the office in 2022, where he secured the Democratic nomination but ultimately lost to Paxton in the general election. Despite the defeat, Jaworski remains undeterred, citing a growing dissatisfaction among Texans with the current state of leadership in the Attorney General’s office. He argues that Paxton’s tenure has been marred by controversy, legal battles, and a failure to prioritize the needs of everyday Texans. Jaworski’s campaign is expected to focus on restoring integrity, transparency, and accountability to the office, themes that resonated with many voters during his last run but fell short of overcoming the state’s strong Republican leanings.

One of the central pillars of Jaworski’s platform is his critique of Paxton’s legal and ethical challenges. Paxton has faced numerous allegations over the years, including charges of securities fraud and accusations of abuse of power. Although he was acquitted in a high-profile impeachment trial in 2023 by the Texas Senate, the controversies surrounding his leadership have continued to cast a shadow over his tenure. Jaworski has publicly stated that these issues undermine public trust in the Attorney General’s office, which is tasked with upholding the law and protecting the interests of Texas citizens. He believes that voters are ready for a change and that his background as a public servant and legal professional uniquely qualifies him to steer the office in a new direction.

Jaworski’s experience as the mayor of Galveston from 2010 to 2012 is a key part of his appeal to voters. During his time in office, he navigated the city through the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, one of the most devastating natural disasters in the region’s history. His leadership during the recovery process earned him praise for his ability to manage crises and work collaboratively with state and federal agencies. Jaworski often highlights this experience as evidence of his capability to handle complex challenges and prioritize the welfare of communities, a skill set he argues is sorely needed in the Attorney General’s office. Additionally, his family’s legacy in Texas politics—his grandfather, Leon Jaworski, was a prominent prosecutor during the Watergate scandal—adds a layer of historical significance to his candidacy, framing him as part of a lineage committed to justice and accountability.

Beyond his personal qualifications, Jaworski’s campaign is expected to address several key policy issues that resonate with Democratic voters and moderate independents. He has expressed a strong commitment to protecting voting rights, an issue that has become increasingly contentious in Texas following the passage of restrictive voting laws in recent years. Jaworski has criticized these measures as attempts to suppress voter turnout, particularly among minority and low-income communities, and has vowed to challenge such policies if elected. He also plans to focus on consumer protection, advocating for stronger measures to combat fraud and exploitation, as well as addressing the state’s approach to healthcare access, particularly in the wake of ongoing debates over Medicaid expansion and reproductive rights.

Reproductive rights, in particular, are likely to be a flashpoint in the 2026 election, given the seismic shifts in policy following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. Texas has since implemented some of the strictest abortion laws in the nation, and Paxton has been a vocal defender of these restrictions. Jaworski, on the other hand, has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for women’s autonomy and access to healthcare, arguing that the Attorney General’s office should not be used to enforce policies that infringe on personal freedoms. This stance is expected to galvanize progressive voters, though it may also polarize the electorate in a state where conservative values hold significant sway.

Another area of focus for Jaworski is the state’s approach to environmental regulation and climate change. Texas, as a major hub for the oil and gas industry, has often prioritized economic interests over environmental concerns, a trend that Jaworski seeks to challenge. He has called for greater accountability for corporations that contribute to pollution and environmental degradation, as well as stronger enforcement of existing regulations. While this position may face resistance from powerful industry players and their political allies, Jaworski believes that many Texans, particularly younger voters, are increasingly concerned about the long-term impacts of climate change and are looking for leaders who will take bold action.

Jaworski’s announcement also comes at a time when the Democratic Party in Texas is working to rebuild its influence after years of Republican dominance. While the state has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since the 1990s, recent election cycles have shown signs of a shifting political landscape, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Jaworski is likely to draw on this momentum, focusing his campaign efforts on mobilizing voters in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, where Democratic support is strongest. However, winning over rural and conservative-leaning voters remains a significant challenge, and Jaworski will need to craft a message that appeals to a broad coalition if he hopes to unseat Paxton.

In addition to policy issues, Jaworski’s campaign is expected to emphasize the importance of bipartisanship and collaboration. He has repeatedly stated that the Attorney General’s office should not be a partisan battleground but rather a place where the rule of law is upheld regardless of political affiliation. This message may resonate with voters who are frustrated by the hyper-partisanship that has characterized much of Texas politics in recent years. By presenting himself as a unifying figure, Jaworski hopes to attract moderate and independent voters who may be disillusioned with the current state of affairs.

As the 2026 election approaches, Jaworski’s candidacy will undoubtedly face significant hurdles. Texas remains a deeply red state, and Paxton, despite his controversies, retains a loyal base of support among Republican voters. Additionally, the Attorney General’s office has historically been a stepping stone for higher political ambitions, and Paxton’s name recognition and entrenched position give him a considerable advantage. Nevertheless, Jaworski’s determination to run again reflects a belief that the political tides in Texas are shifting, albeit slowly, and that there is an opportunity to capitalize on public discontent with the status quo.

Jaworski’s campaign is still in its early stages, and much will depend on how he builds his platform, secures funding, and connects with voters over the coming months. His previous run for Attorney General provided valuable lessons about the challenges of running a statewide campaign in Texas, and he is likely to draw on that experience to refine his strategy. Whether he can translate his vision for a more accountable and equitable Attorney General’s office into a winning coalition remains to be seen, but his announcement has already injected new energy into the Democratic Party’s efforts to reclaim influence in Texas politics.

In conclusion, Joe Jaworski’s decision to run for Texas Attorney General in 2026 represents a bold challenge to the Republican stronghold on statewide offices. With a platform centered on integrity, voter rights, reproductive freedom, and environmental accountability, Jaworski is positioning himself as a progressive alternative to Ken Paxton’s controversial tenure. While the road to victory will be steep, his candidacy underscores the growing tensions and evolving dynamics within Texas politics, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle in the years ahead. As the campaign unfolds, it will serve as a litmus test for whether Democrats can make inroads in a state long defined by conservative governance, and whether Jaworski’s message of change can resonate with a diverse and often divided electorate.

Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/texas/2025/07/17/526586/democrat-joe-jaworski-to-run-for-texas-attorney-general-again/ ]