AUSTIN, Texas – Former U.S. Attorney John Bash Announces Candidacy for Texas Attorney General
Former U.S. Attorney John Bash has officially entered the race for Texas Attorney General, declaring his candidacy just one day after current Attorney General Ken Paxton revealed his intent to run for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Senator John Cornyn.
Who Is John Bash?
John Bash previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas under President Donald Trump. During his tenure, Bash led a series of high-profile prosecutions targeting drug trafficking, human smuggling, corruption, child abuse, murder, and terrorism.
Among his most notable cases, Bash secured life sentences for a top member of the Los Zetas cartel and a human smuggler involved in the deaths of 10 individuals. He also obtained convictions against national leaders of a violent motorcycle gang and prosecuted a married couple accused of abusing more than 25 children, both of whom received life sentences.
Bash played a key role in the federal response to the 2018 Austin bombings and led the indictment of the suspect in the 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting, charging him with 90 federal counts, including 23 capital offenses.
A former law clerk to Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Brett Kavanaugh, Bash brings a strong judicial background to the race. He is a native of El Paso and currently resides in Austin with his wife and three children.
Campaign Platform and Vision
In his announcement, Bash emphasized the crucial role of the Texas Attorney General’s Office in defending the rights and safety of Texans.
“The Texas Attorney General’s Office is the first and last line of defense for our safety, security, and constitutional freedoms,” Bash said. “The next Attorney General must be prepared on Day One to take on threats ranging from drug cartels and violent gangs to corporate overreach and activist courts. I am that leader.”
He also underscored the national stakes of the office, citing legal challenges faced by the Trump administration and the importance of Texas maintaining a strong legal front, especially with an eye toward future political shifts.
“The stakes have never been higher,” he continued. “With growing legal opposition to conservative policies and the uncertainty of the 2028 presidential election, Texas must have the toughest and most capable legal advocate to protect our way of life.”
What’s Next
The official filing period for candidates in Texas’ 2026 primary and general elections has not yet opened. Bash is expected to be a prominent contender in what could become a highly competitive Republican primary.