Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is set to face an impeachment trial in the state Senate, accused of bribery, dereliction of duty, and disregard of official duty. This makes him only the third person in Texas Legislature history to undergo an impeachment trial, with the previous two officials being expelled from office.
Ken Paxton, a Republican, has held the position of attorney general since 2015. He has garnered a reputation as one of the country’s most conservative attorneys general during his tenure. Paxton gained attention during the Obama administration for repeatedly suing the federal government. He later became a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump. In December 2020, he led several states in challenging the presidential election results in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, which were ultimately dismissed. Paxton also spoke at Trump’s rally on January 6, 2021.
Before becoming attorney general, Paxton served as a state senator and a representative in the Texas Legislature for Collin and Dallas Counties. Two years after his election, his wife, Angela Paxton, won his former state Senate seat. The couple, who met at Baylor University, has a strong church influence on their conservative politics and has four children and two grandchildren.
The impeachment trial centers around Paxton’s relationship with real estate developer Nate Paul, who donated to Paxton’s campaign. Employees in Paxton’s office alleged that he used his influence to benefit Paul and his business in legal disputes. They claimed that Paul provided extensive home renovations for Paxton and employed a woman with whom Paxton was allegedly having an affair. Paxton denies these allegations.
According to a report by the House impeachment managers, there was a confrontation between Angela Paxton and the woman Paxton allegedly had an affair with. Andrew Wicker, a former top aide to Paxton, testified that there were discussions about a 2019 FBI raid on Paul’s home and that he was asked to deliver confidential FBI files in a manila envelope to Paul. Wicker also mentioned Paxton’s unusual request for granite countertops during house renovations. Four other aides, described by Paxton as “rogue employees,” filed a lawsuit alleging they were fired for exposing corruption in the attorney general’s office. Paxton settled the lawsuit for $3.3 million using taxpayer money.
The House General Investigating Committee recommended 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton, and the Texas House held an impeachment hearing on May 27. Paxton was impeached with 60 Republicans and 61 Democrats voting in favor, and 23 Republicans voting against. The Texas constitution mandates that an impeached official is suspended from office without pay, and interim attorneys general have been appointed in Paxton’s absence.
The impeachment trial is currently taking place in the state Senate, with the lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, presiding and 31 state senators acting as jurors. Lawyers for the state have prepared 4,000 pages of evidence to present during the trial. Paxton’s wife, still a Texas state senator, will attend the trial but is not allowed to participate in deliberations or the vote. A two-thirds majority is required for conviction or removal from office. If Paxton is acquitted, he will resume his role as attorney general.
Both Paxton and his wife are under a gag order regarding speaking to the press. However, Paxton has continued to raise money and has alleged voter fraud while blaming the media. Despite the impeachment, Angela Paxton announced her intention to run for reelection. Paxton also faces unrelated charges of securities fraud, with the potential for up to 99 years in prison if convicted.
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