From [HERE] North Texas civil rights Lee Merritt announced Tuesday that he’s running against incumbent Republican Ken Paxton for Texas attorney general.

Merritt, known nationally for his work in the civil rights and anti-police brutality movements, will run for attorney general in the Democratic primary, where he’ll be opposed by former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski, also a lawyer.

“Texas Republicans have launched an all-out assault on voter rights and civil liberties,” Merritt said in a prepared statement. “General Paxton, Governor Abbott and the Republican dominated Texas Legislature are blatantly attempting to turn back progress in the Lone Star State using the familiar tactics of voter suppression, divisive rhetoric and corporate money.”

Making his first run for statewide office, Merritt faces an uphill battle. A Texas Democrat hasn’t won a statewide office since former Attorney General Dan Morales was reelected in 1994. And before challenging Paxton or another Republican nominee, he must beat Jaworski, who has been campaigning for the post much longer.

If elected, he would be the first Black attorney general in the history of Texas.

“Our campaign will also focus on fixing Texas’ failing power grid, reigning in soaring property taxes, ending mass incarceration and challenging gubernatorial overreach,” the news release stated.