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.

Eliminated in primary

Barry Williamson, Railroad Commissioner of Texas.
Tom Pauken, former chairman of the Texas Republican Party.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

Jim Mattox, former Texas Attorney General.

Eliminated in primary

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