Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is currently facing an impeachment trial that could result in his removal from office and potential disqualification from running for public office again. Despite being reelected in November, Paxton has been a vocal opponent of Democratic President Joe Biden, frequently challenging his policies in court. However, Paxton’s tenure has been marred by ongoing investigations and legal troubles, leading to his impeachment in May—the third time in Texas history that a sitting politician has been impeached. The state Senate is now deliberating the accusations against him.
Paxton has served as Texas’s attorney general since 2015, a position that grants him the power to sue the federal government. He has used this power to challenge various federal policies, particularly those related to immigration. Paxton’s confrontational style and alignment with former President Donald Trump earned him a reputation as a far-right figure. He even led an unsuccessful petition to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Despite his popularity among Republicans, his corruption trial may test the party’s tolerance for scandal.
Paxton was impeached on May 27 by the Texas House of Representatives, with a vote of 121 to 23, despite the chamber’s strong Republican majority. He was immediately suspended from office pending the outcome of the trial. The impeachment articles against Paxton include allegations of bribery, obstruction of justice, and abuse of public trust. Some of the articles relate to a securities fraud case from 2015, while the majority focus on his alleged involvement with wealthy real estate investor Nate Paul. Paxton is accused of misusing his power to shield allies, exchange bribes, and retaliate against whistleblowers.
One aspect of the impeachment case involves Paxton’s extramarital affair with Laura Olson, a former aide to a fellow Republican state senator. Prosecutors argue that Paxton used his influence to secure a job for Olson with Paul in exchange for favorable treatment from the attorney general’s office. The trial, which began on September 5, is being heard by the Texas state Senate, composed of 31 members, 19 of whom are Republicans like Paxton. However, Paxton’s wife, Angela Paxton, is disqualified from participating but is required to attend.
Paxton has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the impeachment charges. Throughout the trial, he has been absent from court, although his presence is not required. The government prosecutors recently rested their case, and both the defense and prosecution have a maximum of 24 hours to present evidence and question witnesses. Once both sides conclude their arguments, the state Senators will vote on the impeachment charges. If acquitted, Paxton will resume his office. However, if any of the 16 impeachment articles are upheld and he is convicted, he will be removed from office and may face further penalties, including a potential ban from holding public office in Texas.
If Paxton is ultimately convicted, he will join the ranks of the only two other sitting politicians who have been impeached in Texas history. In 1975, District Judge OP Carillo was impeached for misusing county resources and evading taxes. The first case involved Governor James Ferguson in 1917, who was impeached for misapplication of government funds and other charges. However, despite being removed from office, Ferguson’s influence over Texas politics remained significant, with his wife subsequently being elected as governor.
The ongoing trial against Ken Paxton not only has significant implications for his political career but also tests the Republican Party’s stance on scandals within its ranks. As the state Senate weighs the evidence and deliberates on the impeachment charges, the outcome will determine the future of Paxton’s elected position and potentially shape the political landscape of Texas.
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