Mayes Middleton

David Mayes Middleton II is an American politician and businessman currently serving as a member of the Texas Senate, representing the 11th district. A member of the Republican Party, Middleton has been active in Texas politics since January 2019, when he was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives for district 23. He is also the Republican nominee for Texas Attorney General in the upcoming 2026 election. Throughout his political career, Middleton has focused on various legislative issues and has held several significant positions within the Texas legislature.

Early life and career

Mayes Middleton was born on September 18, 1981, in Wallisville, Texas, an unincorporated community located in northern Chambers County. He is the son of John Gregg Middleton, who named him after his deceased brother, David Mayes Middleton. Middleton completed his early education at The Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas, a private preparatory school known for its academic rigor. Following high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in finance. He furthered his studies at the University of Texas School of Law, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree.

In addition to his political career, Middleton has built a substantial business profile. He serves as the president of Middleton Oil Company, an independent oil and gas enterprise that operates primarily in South Texas and along the Gulf Coast. The company is relatively small, employing three individuals and generating an estimated annual revenue of approximately $800,000. Beyond his role in the oil and gas sector, Middleton is involved in ranching, cattle, and farming operations across several counties in Texas, including Chambers, Jefferson, Kimble, Liberty, and Webb. His business acumen is further demonstrated by his position on the Board of Directors of First Liberty National Bank, a community bank with branches in multiple Texas cities.

Legislative service

Middleton's political career began when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in November 2018. He successfully ran against two-term incumbent Wayne Faircloth in the Republican primary, which was notable as Faircloth was an ally of then-House Speaker Joe Straus. In the subsequent general election held on November 6, 2018, Middleton defeated Democrat Amanda Jamrok, marking the beginning of his legislative service. He was re-elected in 2020, running unopposed in the Republican primary and defeating Democrat Jeff Antonelli in the general election.

During his time in the Texas House, Middleton served on various committees, contributing to legislative discussions and decisions. In the 87th legislative session, he was a member of committees focused on insurance, judiciary and civil jurisprudence, local and consent calendars, as well as advisory committees related to the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas and the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund. In the previous 86th legislative session, he co-chaired the Coastal Barrier System committee and participated in committees addressing elections, urban affairs, and local and consent calendars.

In 2021, Middleton announced his candidacy for the Texas Senate, specifically for the 11th district. His campaign gained momentum when he received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who praised Middleton's leadership in the Texas House and his conservative voting record. Middleton was elected to the Texas Senate in 2022 without facing opposition in the general election. In the Senate, he has continued to serve on several important committees, including administration, business and commerce, education, and jurisprudence, among others. He holds the position of vice chair on the Subcommittee on Higher Education, further emphasizing his commitment to educational issues within the state.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Texas Senate, Middleton's policy focus reflects his Republican affiliation and the interests of his constituents in the 11th district. His legislative priorities have included issues related to business and commerce, education, and infrastructure. Given his background in finance and business, he advocates for policies that promote economic growth and support the oil and gas industry, which is significant in Texas.

Middleton's district encompasses a diverse range of communities, and he aims to address the unique needs of his constituents. His involvement in various legislative committees allows him to influence policy decisions that impact education, infrastructure development, and economic resilience in Texas. His role in the Senate also positions him to engage with broader state issues, including those related to public safety, healthcare, and environmental concerns.

In addition to his legislative duties, Middleton is actively involved in his local community. He serves on the board of directors of Wallisville Heritage Park, a historical museum that highlights the cultural and historical significance of the Wallisville area. His commitment to community service is further demonstrated by his previous involvement with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where he served on the board of directors before resigning to pursue his political career. He was also a member of the executive committee for the Texas Business Leadership Council, an organization advocating for free enterprise policies in Texas.

Middleton resides in Galveston Island with his wife, Macy, and their four children. The family maintains a home in Wallisville, which has historical significance as it was built by Middleton's great-grandparents in 1905. As a Christian, Middleton's personal beliefs may also inform his policy perspectives and community engagement.

In summary, Mayes Middleton's career reflects a blend of business acumen and political service, with a focus on representing the interests of his constituents in Texas. His ongoing legislative work and community involvement underscore his commitment to public service and the development of policies that aim to benefit the state of Texas.