Dragon Ball Z Composer Nathan Johnson Elected Texas Attorney General After Unusual Career Shift

Texas Democratic state Sen. Nathan Johnson defeated Republican Mayes Middleton in the November 3 midterm election to become the state’s next attorney general. The Associated Press projected Johnson as the winner, making him the first Democrat elected to the office since 1994. Before entering politics, Johnson had an unexpected career in entertainment: he composed music for the English-language version of the anime series Dragon Ball Z, scoring 67 television episodes and five films.

Johnson discussed the connection in a video posted before Election Day. “If you grew up watching Dragon Ball Z, you might know me better than you think,” he said, explaining that he wrote the musical scores for 67 episodes and five movies. He recalled working while his son was about one year old. The child would sit on his knee, watch scenes from the show and call out, “Oh, Daddy, Goku!” Johnson said the work gave him a creative outlet and a cultural connection few people had the opportunity to experience.

Music for 67 episodes of Funimation’s English-language version

Johnson’s work was for Funimation’s English-language Dragon Ball Z production, not the entire original Japanese soundtrack. His credits included the first 67 episodes of the English dub and music for five films, including The World’s Strongest, The Tree of Might, Broly – Second Coming, Fusion Reborn and Wrath of the Dragon.

Johnson has said he was not initially familiar with anime or the Dragon Ball story when he took the job. Over time, he came to appreciate the series’ themes of people from different backgrounds working together against powerful opponents. He also learned to play the ocarina while composing the theme associated with Tapion in Wrath of the Dragon.

The work became a memorable part of the English-language franchise for fans. Johnson’s story has attracted attention from anime communities because it connects a familiar piece of pop culture with a major political office in one of the country’s largest states.

From music production to law and politics

Johnson is 58 and holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He initially operated a music-production business before moving into the legal profession, where he became a business litigator. In 2018, he ran for the Texas Senate and defeated Republican incumbent Don Huffines. He began representing part of Dallas County in the state Senate in 2019.

Johnson’s campaign website says he helped pass 134 bills during his time in the legislature, covering issues such as water, energy, education, health care and criminal justice. In his attorney general campaign, he argued that the office should focus on consumer protection, law enforcement and legal services. He also said he would take legal action if the federal government violated the law in Texas.

A Democratic breakthrough in Texas

Johnson defeated Republican candidate Mayes Middleton to win the attorney general race. The Associated Press’ early results showed Johnson with about 52.3% of the vote, compared with roughly 46% for Middleton and about 2% for the Libertarian candidate. The final totals remain subject to state certification. Johnson is expected to take office in January 2027, succeeding Republican Ken Paxton.

The result was part of a broader Democratic advance in Texas. Democrats also won the governor’s race and several other statewide offices, while control of the Texas House shifted. Johnson’s victory means the attorney general’s office will move from Republican to Democratic control, potentially changing the state’s approach to litigation involving the federal government, businesses and state policy.

From Goku’s music to the attorney general’s office

Johnson’s music career was not the central issue in his campaign, but the story became a popular topic on social media and among anime fans during the election. He has said that the Dragon Ball Z work gave him a connection with his children and younger audiences, and showed how entertainment can bring people together across generations and backgrounds.

The confirmed developments are that the AP projected Johnson as the winner of the Texas attorney general election and that he previously composed music for 67 episodes and five films in Funimation’s English-language Dragon Ball Z production. The state’s final vote certification, Johnson’s policy priorities after he takes office in January 2027 and whether he follows through on his promise to challenge unlawful federal actions remain to be seen.