Texas has elected a new attorney general, and his previous career has an unexpected connection to one of the world's most recognisable anime franchises.

Democrat Nathan Johnson defeated Republican Mayes Middleton in the November 3, 2026 election, becoming the first Democrat elected Texas attorney general since 1994. According to the Texas Secretary of State's election results, Johnson received more than 5.1 million votes.

But long before winning statewide office, the Dallas lawyer was composing music for Dragon Ball Z, including 67 episodes of Funimation's English-language adaptation and five feature films.

His credits include Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest, The Tree of Might, Broly – Second Coming, Fusion Reborn and Wrath of the Dragon. His work on Fusion Reborn included music associated with Gogeta, the powerful fusion of Goku and Vegeta.

How a lawyer who had never watched Dragon Ball Z became its composer

Johnson's involvement with the franchise began through an unlikely encounter while he was looking for office space in Dallas.

In a 2012 interview with The Dao of Dragon Ball, Johnson explained that he had previously left legal practice to pursue composition professionally. After struggling to establish a sustainable music career, he returned to legal work.

While enquiring about a potential office rental, Johnson mentioned that he might occasionally use an electronic keyboard in the space. The building's owner happened to be Robert Cocanaugher, who was connected to Funimation, the company responsible for the English-language adaptation of Dragon Ball Z.

Cocanaugher listened to Johnson's music and introduced his work to Funimation executive Barry Watson. Johnson was subsequently offered a composing position.

There was one rather significant complication: he had never watched Dragon Ball Z or any anime series.

Funimation wanted a more cinematic, orchestral sound for its 2005 Ultimate Uncut release, covering the first 67 episodes. Johnson's music formed part of that English-language version, rather than the original Japanese soundtrack composed by Shunsuke Kikuchi.

The production was demanding. Johnson recalled working under tight deadlines, sometimes scoring multiple episodes in a week, while adapting his musical approach to characters and storylines he initially knew nothing about.

He also remembered bringing his one-year-old child into the studio during a recording session and watching the youngster become fascinated by the animated action.

Dragon Ball Z eventually became part of his political identity

Johnson's connection to the anime did not disappear when he entered politics.

In a 2017 interview with The Dao of Dragon Ball, conducted during his first campaign for the Texas Senate, he discussed how the franchise's themes of cooperation between unlikely allies connected with his own political philosophy.

He particularly admired stories in which former opponents had to work together to confront a common threat. For Johnson, the relationships between Dragon Ball characters offered an example of people overcoming their differences.

The anime connection also attracted attention during his successful 2018 Senate campaign.

Speaking to Derek Padula after that victory, Johnson recalled younger voters discovering his soundtrack credits and reacting enthusiastically. He considered the connection a possible advantage in engaging younger voters, although he acknowledged that there was no way to establish whether someone voted for him because they watched the series.

The distinction matters: his Dragon Ball background became a memorable part of his public identity, but there is no evidence that anime fans determined either of his election victories.

What happens when the Dragon Ball Z composer takes office?

Johnson is scheduled to become Texas attorney general in January 2027, taking over an office with substantial influence over state litigation, consumer protection and the enforcement of Texas law.

His election is a significant change for an institution that has played a prominent role in Republican-led legal challenges involving federal policy and politically contentious state legislation.

One immediate policy distinction concerns abortion medication. In comments reported by The Texas Tribune on November 4, Johnson said he would stop pursuing lawsuits against out-of-state doctors who prescribe abortion pills to Texas residents.

That decision would mark a change in enforcement priorities, but it would not itself repeal Texas's abortion restrictions. The attorney general can determine the state's approach to litigation; changing the underlying legislation is a separate matter.

For Dragon Ball fans, Johnson's election has brought renewed attention to music they may have heard two decades ago without knowing who created it. For Texans, the more consequential question is how a former anime composer, experienced trial lawyer and state senator will use the legal authority he has just won.