New Texas AG-elect Nathan Johnson Composed Dragon Ball Z Music

Nathan Johnson won the Texas attorney general election on Tuesday, securing 52.4 percent of the vote to defeat Sen. Mayes Middleton. Johnson, a Republican, will replace outgoing Attorney General Ken Paxton as the state’s top lawyer. He will be sworn into office in January.

The victory marked a rare win for the party in a night when Republicans lost control of the Texas House, the governor’s office, and a U.S. Senate seat. Johnson had previously served as a state senator representing parts of Dallas County. His opponent, Middleton, is from the Houston area.

National media outlets have begun reporting on a specific detail of Johnson’s background: he composed the English versions of the score for the anime series Dragon Ball Z. Johnson primarily plays the piano for the music. He also learned to play the ocarina, an ancient wind instrument similar to a recorder, specifically for the project. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics.

The position of attorney general has historically served as a stepping stone for Texas politicians. Both former Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn held the office before Paxton. Johnson’s election continues this trend of using the role as a launching pad for higher state offices.

Ken Paxton lost his race for U.S. senator to James Talarico in one of the most closely watched elections in the nation. Paxton’s term as attorney general was defined by a contentious collaboration with President Donald Trump and an impeachment. He also oversaw a period of overzealous litigation during the Joe Biden administration.

The office of the Texas attorney general handles legal matters for the state and often involves high-profile litigation. Johnson’s background in music and physics is unusual for a senior state executive, but his experience as a state senator provided the legislative foundation for his campaign. The transition of power will see Paxton’s team step down as Johnson’s team takes over in the new year.

Angela Paxton, Ken Paxton’s ex-wife and a state senator, is also a musician. She has performed original music at Republican Party events in the past. Johnson’s victory ensures that a member of the Paxton political family will no longer hold the top legal office in the state.