Nathan Johnson scored ‘Dragon Ball Z’ before winning Texas AG race

Aaron A. BedoyaUSA TODAY NETWORK
Updated Nov. 4, 2026, 2:41 p.m. ET

Before Nathan Johnson became Texas’ next attorney general, he had a very different career: composing music for “Dragon Ball Z.”

Johnson, the Democrat elected Texas attorney general on Nov. 3, has composed musical scores for the hit anime series, according to his official campaign website. The site also describes Johnson as a litigator and mediator and notes that he holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Arizona and a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

But Johnson’s connection to “Dragon Ball Z” goes considerably deeper.

“If you grew up watching ‘Dragon Ball Z,’ you might know me better than you think,” Johnson wrote in a post on his official Facebook page. “I composed the musical scores for 67 episodes and five movies and had a great time doing it.”

His work included music for “Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest,” “The Tree of Might,” “Broly: Second Coming,” “Fusion Reborn” and “Wrath of the Dragon,”

Johnson later said the work gave him some credibility with his children and their friends. He recalled his then-1-year-old son sitting on his knee while watching the show and reacting to its main character, Goku. Johnson described the job as both a creative outlet and a rare cultural connection.

Johnson’s career eventually took him from composing to the Texas Capitol. He was elected to the Texas Senate in 2018 and has represented District 16 since taking office in 2019. His campaign says he has authored about 433 bills and passed 134 into law during four legislative sessions.

Now he’s headed for another role, this time as Texas’ top lawyer.

What does the Texas attorney general do?

The attorney general serves as the state’s chief legal officer and represents Texas in legal matters.

The office defends state laws in court, represents state agencies in certain legal disputes, issues formal legal opinions and enforces consumer protection laws.

The attorney general’s office also oversees child support enforcement and can bring legal actions involving issues affecting the state.