Angela Colmenero Appointed as Interim Attorney General by Texas Governor
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has named Angela Colmenero as the interim attorney general, replacing John Scott, who served in the role temporarily. Colmenero, a lawyer and Abbott’s deputy chief of staff, will take over as the state’s top lawyer on an interim basis starting Friday. This appointment comes as current Attorney General Ken Paxton faces an impeachment trial in the state Senate scheduled to begin on September 5.
Colmenero’s extensive experience in state government and expertise in litigation were touted by Governor Abbott as reasons for her appointment. She previously worked in the state attorney general’s office for nearly a decade, making her a qualified candidate for the position. Abbott expressed his gratitude to John Scott and announced that the appointment of Colmenero follows his departure.
Ken Paxton, who is currently suspended from office pending the outcome of his impeachment trial, faces 20 articles of impeachment, including charges of bribery and abuse of office. Additionally, he is under investigation by the FBI over allegations of using his power to aid a donor. The donor was recently indicted on charges of making false statements to banks.
Paxton’s defense team has stated that he will not testify at his impeachment trial. In addition to his ongoing legal battles, Paxton is still waiting for trial on felony securities fraud charges dating back to 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has never been deposed in the case’s eight-year history.
The appointment of Colmenero is expected to provide stability and leadership to the attorney general’s office during this critical time. Texans will be closely watching the upcoming impeachment trial, as it could result in Paxton’s permanent removal from office.
In conclusion, Angela Colmenero’s appointment as interim attorney general by Governor Greg Abbott is aimed at ensuring effective leadership and expertise in the attorney general’s office. With her background in state government and litigation, Colmenero is well-positioned to handle the responsibilities of the role. As the impeachment trial of Ken Paxton approaches, the state of Texas awaits the outcome, which could significantly impact its political landscape.
