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Texas’s recent midterm elections produced a political shift that could work in favor of the state’s poker community. Nathan Johnson, a Democrat and current state senator, won the race for attorney general, defeating Republican Mayes Middleton by 6.5 points.
Middleton had backed the existing poker model in Texas, a system that allows card rooms to operate legally only if they refrain from collecting rake. Many venues get around this by functioning as social clubs, charging membership or seat fees instead — though some, like The Lodge Card Club near Austin, have still faced legal challenges despite their reputations as well-run operations.
Johnson’s record suggests he could be more sympathetic to the industry. In March 2025, he introduced Senate Joint Resolution 82, a proposed constitutional amendment that would have let Texans vote on loosening gambling restrictions and clarifying the legal status of poker clubs. The measure stalled in committee but reflected his broader support for regulated gambling.
During his campaign, Johnson leaned into poker-related messaging, including jabs at Middleton’s “poker face.” He also drew scrutiny for accepting a $4,500 donation from a PAC tied to Las Vegas Sands, a company with interests in building a Texas casino resort.
Johnson has defended the donation, stating that his proposed legislation would not have directly legalized destination casinos, only removed a blanket constitutional ban on gaming.
Texas also elected Vikki Goodwin as lieutenant governor, unseating Republican incumbent Dan Patrick. Though not specifically a poker advocate, Goodwin has expressed interest in letting voters decide on gambling expansion, marking a departure from Patrick’s longstanding opposition to such measures.
