Austin, August 24, 2025 – The hashtag #TexasAGRace is trending on X as Senator Ted Cruz’s endorsement of Rep. Chip Roy for Texas Attorney General ignites a firestorm within the Republican Party. Cruz, a longtime mentor to Roy, praised him as a “proven conservative” and “one of the strongest fighters in Congress” in a statement released on August 23, 2025, fueling debates over Roy’s candidacy in a crowded GOP primary sparked by incumbent Ken Paxton’s Senate run. However, Roy’s rocky relationship with former President Donald Trump and his criticism of Paxton have deepened divisions, drawing sharp reactions across the political spectrum.
The Endorsement and Its Context
Cruz’s endorsement highlights Roy’s conservative credentials, noting his role as a former chief of staff and his tenure as a House Freedom Caucus policy chair who has fought against both “DC Republicans and Democrats.” Roy, who announced his bid on August 21, 2025, emphasized defending Texas against “open-border politicians” and “radical leftists” in a campaign video, aligning with Cruz’s rhetoric. Their close ties date back to Roy’s time as Cruz’s chief of staff during the 2013 government shutdown, where Roy orchestrated high-profile obstructionist tactics.
However, Roy’s history of clashing with Trump, including his 2020 vote against overturning the presidential election and his early call for Paxton’s resignation over bribery allegations, has made Cruz’s support controversial. Trump previously criticized Roy in 2021, calling for a primary challenge against him, which Roy survived with 83% of the vote in 2022.
X Reactions and GOP Divide
The endorsement has polarized X, with #TexasAGRace posts reflecting a split in GOP sentiment. Supporters of Cruz and Roy applaud the move, with one user posting, “Ted Cruz backing Chip Roy is a win for true conservatives. Roy’s fearless, unlike Paxton’s cronies. #TexasAGRace.” Others, aligned with Trump’s MAGA base, view Roy as disloyal. A viral post stated, “Roy called MAGA ‘fuc$ers’ and backed DeSantis over Trump. Now Cruz endorses him? Betrayal! #TexasAGRace.” This refers to Roy’s 2023 endorsement of Ron DeSantis for president, which alienated some Trump loyalists.
Critics also highlight Roy’s opposition to Paxton, his former boss, during the latter’s 2023 impeachment trial over abuse-of-office allegations. Roy defended whistleblowers and called Paxton’s election lawsuit against four states a “dangerous violation of federalism.” This stance has drawn ire from Paxton’s supporters, with one X post reading, “Roy betrayed Paxton, now wants his job? Cruz is picking the wrong side. #TexasAGRace.”
Broader Implications
The GOP primary, set for March 2026, is already crowded, with Roy joining other conservative contenders like Attorney General Ken Paxton’s allies, who may leverage Trump’s influence. Roy’s $2.5 million war chest and name recognition give him an edge, but his frosty relationship with Trump could be a liability among MAGA voters. Cruz’s endorsement, while bolstering Roy’s conservative credentials, risks alienating Trump’s base, especially after Cruz’s own 2016 primary clashes with Trump.
X users are also debating the broader GOP divide, with some seeing Roy as a principled conservative and others as a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only). “Chip Roy fights the swamp, but MAGA wants loyalty to Trump over principle. Cruz is stuck in the middle. #TexasAGRace,” one post noted. The controversy underscores tensions between establishment conservatives and Trump’s populist wing as the 2026 midterms approach.
What’s Next?
As the primary looms, Roy’s campaign will test whether his brand of fiscal conservatism and obstructionism resonates statewide or if Trump’s influence will sway voters toward Paxton-aligned candidates. Cruz’s endorsement, while significant, has yet to be matched by Trump, whose decision could tip the scales. The #TexasAGRace hashtag continues to drive heated discussions, with thousands of posts reflecting the high stakes of this GOP showdown.