Trainor Considers Run for Texas Attorney General Amid GOP Clash
The acting chairman of the Federal Election Commission is considering running for the Texas attorney general position, creating a potential clash among GOP candidates. James E. “Trey” Trainor is contemplating a bid for the role, which became available when Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his intention to challenge Sen. John Cornyn's reelection. Trainor expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement he has received and mentioned that he and his family are deliberating on whether seeking public office is the right decision for them. He expects to make a decision soon and seeks continued prayers and support.
Trainor has a history of ties to President Donald Trump, dating back to the 2016 campaign. He served as the general counsel to the Republican National Convention platform committee that year and was instrumental in blocking never-Trumpers. Nominated by Trump in 2017 and confirmed in 2020, Trainor's term was set to end in 2023, but he has continued in his role due to the lack of replacements. Another Trump ally eyeing the Texas attorney general seat is Aaron Reitz, who is currently considering a bid. Reitz, a Marine veteran of the Afghanistan War, previously worked for Paxton and served as chief of staff for Sen. Ted Cruz.
Trainor expressed concern that Reitz would be abandoning his position at the Department of Justice if he pursued the attorney general role, suggesting that it would go against President Trump's America First agenda. He acknowledged Trump's appointment to the FEC and his pride in helping steer the agency during the beginning of the second Trump administration. Trainor will soon conclude his time as acting chairman and return to the vice chairmanship, a position to which he was elected last December. He reflected on his five-year tenure as President Trump's Senate-confirmed appointee to the FEC with deep gratitude.
Throughout his time at the agency, Trainor has worked to prevent Democrats from using the FEC against Trump and Republicans. He has also engaged in international travel to observe elections and advocate for democracy. The potential bid for the Texas attorney general position by Trainor and Reitz sets the stage for a competitive GOP race for the influential role.