By Basant El-Faramawy
Democrat Nathan Johnson has been elected as the next Attorney General of Texas, defeating Republican Mayes Middleton in Tuesday's midterm election. Johnson, currently a state senator, revealed an unusual background for a politician: he composed musical scores for the popular anime series Dragon Ball Z in the 2000s.
Music Career Before Politics
Before entering politics, Johnson worked as a lawyer and owned a music production company that collaborated with Funimation Entertainment on the English-language dub of the Japanese anime. In a social media video posted before the election, Johnson stated he composed scores for 67 episodes and five Dragon Ball Z movies, including spin-offs such as The World's Strongest, The Tree of Might, Broly – Second Coming, Fusion Reborn, and Wrath of the Dragon.
Creative Outlet and Cultural Connection
Johnson described the work as a creative outlet that gave him a cultural connection that very few people have had the opportunity to have. He recalled his young son sitting on his knee during recording sessions, reacting to the action on screen. The series, which debuted in Japan in 1989 and was adapted for U.S. audiences in 1996, became a global phenomenon.
Democratic Victories Across Texas
Johnson's victory was part of a broader Democratic surge in Texas. Gina Hinojosa unseated three-term Governor Greg Abbott, while James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in a U.S. Senate race. Democrats claimed historic wins across statehouse and congressional districts, challenging the state's Republican stronghold. Johnson campaigned under the slogan Nathan For Texas.
