Border Patrol Council Backs Aaron Leitz for Texas Attorney General

In a notable development, the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC), representing officers across the U.S., has endorsed Aaron Leitz as the next attorney general for Texas. This backing comes following the decision of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, an ally of former President Trump, to step back from running for reelection and instead take on GOP Senator John Cornyn for his Senate seat.

Leitz, a former Marine, previously served in a significant role under Paxton and also worked alongside Senator Ted Cruz. His candidacy gained traction earlier this year when he framed his campaign as “the battle for the soul of Texas.”

Support from Border Patrol Community

Leitz’s campaign has seen a surge of support from the NBPC, which consists of nearly 20,000 Border Patrol agents and personnel. Paul Perez, president of the NBPC, expressed strong confidence in Leitz, describing him as “a principled fighter” with a deep commitment to the mission of Border Patrol agents. He pointed out that Leitz has “had our backs many times” throughout his career and emphasized that he would be a formidable ally in protecting Texas’s extensive border.

Perez also highlighted Leitz’s experience in legal strategy as deputy attorney general, particularly his efforts against the current administration’s immigration policies. He stated that Leitz led multiple lawsuits aimed at blocking various federal immigration actions, including halting deportation freezes and changes to public charge rules.

Furthermore, during his time as chief of staff for Cruz, Leitz was involved in legislative initiatives intended to secure the borders and address immigration issues, including the enforcement of laws targeting illegal entry.

Leitz has expressed gratitude for the backing from the NBPC, viewing it as a profound honor coming from individuals dedicated to national security. He vowed to maintain strong cooperation with the Border Patrol and utilize all available legal resources to enhance border security.

Upcoming Challenges

Leitz will enter the Texas primary election scheduled for March 3, 2026, facing competition from State Senator Mays and conservative oil executive Middleton, who also supports Trump-aligned policies. As the political landscape in Texas remains contentious, marked by high-stakes battles between Republicans and Democrats, Leitz’s campaign will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of state policies regarding immigration and public safety.