Border Patrol Union Backs Former Trump DOJ Official in Texas Attorney General Race

Border Patrol Union Backs Former Trump DOJ Official in Texas Attorney General Race

The National Border Patrol Council, the largest union representing border patrol officers in the United States, has officially endorsed Aaron Reitz, a former top official in the Trump Department of Justice, to become Texas’ next attorney general. This endorsement marks a significant development in Reitz’s campaign as he seeks to lead the state’s legal efforts in immigration enforcement.

This decision comes as current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican and ally of Trump, has opted not to pursue re-election. Instead, he has announced a challenge to GOP Senator John Cornyn for a seat in the U.S. Senate, further opening the field for new candidates.

Aaron Reitz brings a wealth of experience to his campaign, having previously served as a Marine and within the offices of both Ken Paxton and Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas. His commitment to public service is evident as he transitions from a high-ranking role within the Trump administration to a political bid aimed at championing conservative legal policies in Texas.

Fox News Digital broke the story of Reitz’s resignation from a senior position in the Trump DOJ in June. He characterized his campaign as part of a fight for the heart and soul of Texas, emphasizing his dedication to upholding state and national borders.

Momentum from Key Endorsements

Reitz’s campaign has gained considerable momentum with the National Border Patrol Council’s endorsement, representing nearly 20,000 border patrol personnel across the nation. This backing signals strong support for his agenda focused on border security and law enforcement.

In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, NBPC President Paul Perez described Reitz as a “principled fighter, committed to supporting the mission of Border Patrol agents.” This statement underscores Reitz’s ongoing commitment to the priorities of border security personnel.

Perez further noted that Reitz has consistently supported the Border Patrol throughout his career. He highlighted the candidate’s deep understanding of the sacrifices required for maintaining America’s security on the southern border, stating that Reitz embodies the Marine Corps values of duty and commitment.

Reitz’s Track Record on Border Issues

Perez elaborated on Reitz’s past roles, specifically mentioning his tenure as deputy attorney general for legal strategy under Paxton. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in challenging numerous legal changes introduced by the Biden administration regarding border management.

Reitz was instrumental in spearheading lawsuits against policies viewed as detrimental to border security, including the halt of deportation processes and adjustments to asylum protocols. Additionally, he was pivotal in legislative efforts to bolster border protection, advocating for the resumption of border wall construction and stricter regulations on immigration enforcement.

One significant initiative led by Reitz was the Justice for Jocelyn Act, aimed at preventing the release of undocumented immigrants into communities, following the tragic murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray by an individual released under the Alternatives to Detention program. This Act reflects Reitz’s priority to increase safety and accountability within immigration laws.

A Vision for Texas’ Legal Landscape

Perez stated that throughout his time in Trump’s DOJ, Reitz continued to prioritize the defense of America’s borders and sovereignty by reversing many of the policies introduced in the current administration. His efforts included taking strong stances against sanctuary jurisdictions and supporting operations to combat drug cartels.

In return, Reitz expressed gratitude for the endorsement, describing it as a profound honor. He emphasized the endorsement as a sacred trust from those who risk their lives daily to safeguard national security. Reitz committed that the Border Patrol Council would find no stronger ally than him in the office of the Texas Attorney General.

Challenges Ahead in the Texas Primary

The Texas Primary Elections are scheduled for March 3, 2026, and Reitz will be contending against state Senator Mayes Middleton. Middleton, an oil executive and conservative Republican, shares a similar pro-Trump agenda that includes policies focusing on immigration enforcement and government accountability.

The political landscape in Texas is increasingly charged as lawmakers engage in a contentious redistricting battle that has garnered national attention. With Democratic lawmakers fleeing the state to deny the GOP a quorum for proposed changes, the impending legal conflicts could shape the political dynamics significantly ahead of the elections.

The controversy surrounding redistricting continues to unfold, with the attorney general taking legal action to compel absent lawmakers to return to Austin. As these political machinations evolve, the outcome of Reitz’s campaign will be closely monitored by constituents and political analysts alike.

Looking Forward to the Election

Reitz’s campaign positions him at the forefront of a pivotal moment in Texas politics. With an emphasis on conservative principles and a strong focus on border security, he aims to mobilize support from various voter demographics. As the election draws nearer, his responses to current political challenges will be critical in determining his viability as a candidate for one of Texas’s most influential positions.