1998 Texas Attorney General election

The 1998 Texas Attorney General election took place on November 3, 1998, to elect the Texas Attorney General. Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Dan Morales chose not to seek re-election to a third term.

Former Justice of the Texas Supreme Court John Cornyn beat Democratic nominee and former Attorney General Jim Mattox, 54% to 44%. Cornyn became the first Republican elected Attorney General since Reconstruction.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• John Cornyn, former Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. (1991–1997)

Eliminated in runoff

• Barry Williamson, Railroad Commissioner of Texas.

Eliminated in primary

• Tom Pauken, former chairman of the Texas Republican Party. (1994–1997)

Results

Runoff

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Jim Mattox, former Texas Attorney General. (1983–1991)

Eliminated in primary

• Morris Overstreet, judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
• Gene Kelley, perennial candidate.

Results

General election

Results

References