Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing a high-stakes impeachment trial that could have significant implications for his career and political future. If acquitted, Paxton would be vindicated and strengthen his standing among conservative voters who re-elected him last year. However, a conviction would result in his removal from office and potentially bar him from holding elected positions in Texas in the future. This impeachment trial, the first in Texas in 50 years, will address broad allegations of corruption against the state’s top lawyer. State senators will act as jurors, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick presiding over the proceedings. Paxton and numerous witnesses are expected to testify on the first day.
Paxton, one of the most well-known state attorneys general in the country, has criticized the trial as a political sham and compared it to former President Donald Trump’s legal challenges. He has accused Republicans in name only and left-wing radicals of establishing a kangaroo court to remove him, appealing for campaign donations to fight back. Paxton vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
Impeachment does not carry criminal penalties, and Paxton would not automatically lose his state pension if convicted. However, he is currently suspended without pay pending the outcome of the trial. Paxton was impeached by the Texas House in May, with a majority of Republican representatives supporting the action. The articles of impeachment, which include bribery, abuse of office, and obstruction of justice, largely stem from allegations made by Paxton’s former senior staff. These employees claim that Paxton used his position to grant political favors to real estate developer and campaign donor Nate Paul in exchange for personal benefits.
The impeachment trial is drawing significant attention and is expected to attract hundreds of spectators. The public can attend in person with a free ticket, and the trial will be livestreamed on the Senate’s website. On the first day, Paxton will seek to have the articles of impeachment dismissed and halt the trial before it begins. His lawyers argue that he cannot be removed for alleged misconduct that occurred after his re-election due to the prior election doctrine. The prosecution disputes this argument. The Senate jurors will have to vote on Paxton’s motion to dismiss, which, if granted, would end the trial immediately. If the trial proceeds, witnesses will be called to testify, including Nate Paul and the woman with whom Paxton allegedly had an affair.
The role of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s wife, Senator Angela Paxton, is required by law to be present at the proceedings, but she will not have voting rights. As the presiding officer, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will make the final decisions on pre-trial motions. Paxton’s lawyers have asked to exclude certain topics, such as campaign contributions and events that occurred before this year. They also want three Democratic senators removed as jurors due to alleged bias against Paxton and argue against forcing Paxton to testify. Patrick has stated that the impeachment proceedings are political rather than civil or criminal, although jurors can vote to remove an official even without evidence of a crime.
Impeachment trials in Texas are rare, with the last one involving Governor James Pa Ferguson in 1917. Judge O.P. Carrillo was the most recent Texan to experience an impeachment trial in 1973, and both officials were removed from office. Alongside the impeachment trial, Paxton is also facing other legal issues, including FBI investigations into his connection with Nate Paul. He also has state criminal indictments and a state bar disciplinary case pending. The impeachment trial is projected to last for at least two weeks, with extensive evidence and witness testimonies being presented by both parties.
