Impeachment Trial Begins for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Amid Bribery and Abuse of Power Accusations
The impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has commenced, with key witnesses testifying about an extramarital affair and the former aides’ decision to report him to the FBI. Paxton, a Republican, is facing allegations of bribery and abuse of power. Despite skipping the early testimony, his wife, State Senator Angela Paxton, attended the proceedings.
The articles of impeachment primarily revolve around claims that Paxton misused his office’s authority to protect Austin real estate developer Nate Paul. Paul was indicted on federal charges related to making false statements to banks. If convicted by the Republican-dominated Texas Senate, Paxton could be removed from office and potentially barred from holding any political position in the future.
The impeachment trial kicked off with Paxton’s former top staff providing testimony as Republican impeachment managers delved into the heart of the case. Jeff Mateer, Paxton’s former second-in-command, and Ryan Bangert, a former deputy assistant attorney general, testified about their concerns regarding Paxton’s conduct, which they deemed immoral, unethical, and possibly illegal. They disclosed that their realization of Paxton’s affair with an individual employed by Paul shed light on the motivations behind his unwavering support for him.
Despite the defense’s cross-examination attempts, Paxton’s deputies remained resolute in their decision to report their concerns to the FBI. Ryan Vassar, another former deputy, refuted allegations that they lacked evidence, asserting that his loyalty was not owed to Paxton.
According to Senate rules, Paxton was only required to be present at the start of the trial and cannot be compelled to testify. During the trial’s beginning, Paxton briefly attended, greeting his wife with a kiss on the Senate floor before departing. His attorney entered pleas of not guilty on his behalf, prompting objections from the House impeachment managers’ lawyer, Rusty Hardin, who argued for Paxton’s mandatory presence throughout the trial.
Angela Paxton, being a senator, must attend the trial but cannot partake in any proceedings due to a conflict of interest. She has been present since the beginning, actively listening to the testimony, taking notes, engaging with fellow senators during breaks, and sharing Scripture passages on social media. Ken Paxton himself has been active on social media, reposting messages from influential supporters, including Donald Trump Jr.
The state Senate, comprising 31 members, acts as the jury in this trial. Republicans hold a 19-12 majority, meaning that at least 21 votes are needed to convict Paxton and remove him from office. However, initial votes did not favor Paxton, as his attempts to dismiss all charges on the first day were rejected, with only one vote falling short of the required margin.
While the trial unfolds over the next several weeks, more testimony is scheduled. Although the potential witness list includes over 100 names, it remains uncertain how many will be called to testify. Testimony from former staff within Paxton’s office is expected to be critical, particularly from the whistleblowers who initially alerted federal criminal investigators to their concerns.
Paxton’s impeachment marks only the third instance of impeachment against a state official in Texas’ nearly 200-year history and the first statewide officeholder since former Governor James Pa Ferguson in 1917. Ferguson resigned just before his conviction.
