Texas Congressman Chip Roy just dropped a political bombshell by announcing his exit from Capitol Hill to chase the role of Texas state attorney general, as the Daily Mail reports.
After four terms as a staunch conservative and House Freedom Caucus member, Roy is packing up his Washington desk to return to Texas, a move spurred by personal ties to his home state and friction with GOP heavyweights like President Donald Trump.
Roy’s tenure in Congress hasn’t been a smooth ride down a country road. He’s butted heads with party leadership, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, whom he initially opposed for re-election over concerns about conservative credentials, though he later came around to support him. It’s a classic Roy move — push back hard, then find common ground.
Roy’s rocky road with GOP
Then there’s the Trump saga, a storyline juicier than a Texas barbecue. Roy drew the ire of the president for initially resisting a massive $3.3 trillion tax and spending cut bill over fears of ballooning national debt, only to vote in favor eventually. Trump didn’t mince words, accusing Roy of “getting in the way” of the MAGA vision.
“Getting in the way,” Trump said, and you can almost hear the frustration through the screen. But let’s be fair — Roy’s track record shows he often delivers for conservative causes, even if he takes the scenic route to get there. Turns out, principled stands can ruffle some feathers, but they don’t always burn bridges.
In 2020, Roy also took a bold stand against current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, under whom he had once served as first assistant. When Paxton faced accusations of bribery and abuse of office, Roy didn’t hesitate to call for his resignation, showing he’s not afraid to challenge even those in his own circle. Talk about a spine of steel in a world of political jellyfish.
Devastating floods influence decision
The personal pull of Texas hit Roy hard this year after the tragic Hill Country floods claimed at least 135 lives, including young girls and counselors at Camp Mystic. “Watching Texans unite in response to the devastating Hill Country floods made clear that I want to come home,” Roy reflected. It’s a reminder that sometimes, policy debates pale compared to the call of community.
Roy is not just running on emotion — he’s banking on experience. “Experience in Congress, as a federal prosecutor, and as First Assistant Attorney General to fight for Texas from Texas,” he declared, positioning himself as a battle-tested warrior for state interests. That’s a resume that could make even progressive opponents sweat a little.
His announcement on Thursday drew mixed reactions from colleagues, with some tipping their hats to his service. Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett admitted he “hates to lose his friend in Congress,” despite occasional urges to “pinch his ears,” adding a lighthearted jab that he’ll miss Roy’s presence. It’s the kind of backhanded compliment that keeps politics human.
Colleagues praise Roy’s legacy
Sen. Mike Lee was more direct, calling Roy “no more fearless and respected” among congressional conservatives. “Wholeheartedly endorses Roy in his campaign for Texas Attorney General,” Lee added, doubling down with praise that Roy “has delivered for Trump in Congress.” High praise from a fellow conservative heavyweight — Roy must be doing something right.
Roy’s political journey hasn’t always aligned with the MAGA crowd, though, as seen in his 2023 endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president before the formal announcement. “The next President of the United States must be a vibrant and energetic leader with the faith, vision, and courage to chart a new course,” Roy stated at the time. It’s a subtle nudge that he’s not always on the Trump train, even if he often ends up at the same station.
He’s not alone in seeking new horizons, either — several House Freedom Caucus members are eyeing other offices. Rep. Ralph Norman is running for South Carolina governor, Rep. Andy Biggs is aiming for the same in Arizona, and Rep. Byron Donalds is in the race for Florida’s top state job. It’s almost like the caucus is staging a conservative exodus from Congress.
A pattern of pushback, compromise
Looking at Roy’s record, there’s a clear pattern of initial resistance followed by reluctant alignment with GOP priorities. Whether it’s Trump’s fiscal policies or Johnson’s leadership, Roy starts with a fight but often finishes with a handshake. Some might call it flip-flopping; others might see it as pragmatic conservatism in a messy political landscape.
Trump’s December 2024 jab at Roy, pushing for a primary challenger to his congressional seat, still stings in the backdrop of this announcement. It’s a reminder that loyalty in politics is a two-way street, and Roy’s independent streak hasn’t always earned him gold stars from the MAGA base. But perhaps running for attorney general is his way of proving he can fight for Texas without needing Washington’s approval.
As Roy steps away from Congress, his next chapter could redefine his legacy in the Lone Star State. With Paxton now in a competitive U.S. Senate primary against incumbent John Cornyn, the attorney general race offers Roy a chance to wield influence closer to home. Here’s betting he’ll bring the same tenacity to Texas that made him a thorn in the side — and sometimes a reluctant ally — of GOP leadership.
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Author: Mae Slater
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