AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) - In the race to become Texas' next attorney general, state Sen. Ken Paxton, a Republican, is pulling out the big guns, or rather the big guns are supporting him.
On Monday the political arms of the National Rifle Association and Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA) endorsed Paxton in the upcoming May 27 runoff election.
"I am incredibly honored to have earned the NRA and TSRA endorsements and their recognizing my decade-long record of defending our right to keep and bear arms," said Paxton. "As attorney general, I will continue my proven, long-standing commitment to protecting our Second Amendment rights at every turn."
In the March 4 primary, Paxton captured 566,080 votes for 44.44 percent. His closest opponent, Texas Rep. Dan Branch, came in at second, hauling in 33.49 percent of the vote, according to the office of the Texas Secretary of State.
"The Political Action Committee of the Texas State Rifle Association, the NRA state affiliate, and our 45,000 Texas members are pleased to endorse (Paxton's) candidacy for the office of Texas attorney general," said Alice Tripp, legislative director of the TRSA-PAC, in her letter of endorsement.
"(Paxton's 100 percent) voting record on Second Amendment issues in the Texas House and in the Texas Senate speaks for itself. TSRA-PAC urges all Texas gun owners to support a long time, proven friend, Ken Paxton, a candidate we can count on."
The Republican nominee will face plaintiffs attorney Sam Houston, a Democrat, in the Nov. 4 general election.
Current Attorney General Greg Abbott is running for governor.
From Legal Newsline: Reach David Yates at elections@legalnewsline.com.
NRA backs Paxton in Texas AG race
