by | Published
In a significant development, Attorney General Ken Paxton has been acquitted of all sixteen articles of impeachment brought against him by the House. The Senate, following two weeks of testimony and deliberation, found that not a single article received the necessary support for Paxton's removal from office.
The articles of impeachment had accused Paxton of directing his staff attorneys to misuse the powers of his office to benefit Austin real estate developer Nate Paul. These alleged misuses included improperly issuing grand jury subpoenas and violating state laws concerning the release of public information. Paxton was also accused of accepting bribes in the form of home improvements paid for by Paul and using his position to intervene in ongoing civil litigation on Paul's behalf. The charges also included broader allegations of unfitness for office and dereliction of duty.
The House's case against Paxton relied on the testimonies of several former top deputies at the Office of Attorney General, some of whom had resigned in protest in 2020, reporting allegations of bribery and abuse of office to the FBI. These witnesses testified to having witnessed or having knowledge of the offenses detailed in the articles of impeachment. Some claimed they were either fired or forced out of their positions in violation of the state's whistleblower laws.
Paxton's defense team, led by attorneys Tony Buzbee and Dan Cogdell, argued that the whistleblowers were motivated by personal grievances or a desire for financial gain. They called three current employees to the stand, who either denied witnessing any alleged misconduct or argued that the accusations fell within Paxton's legal authority.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who presided over the trial, criticized the House's impeachment process, calling for changes to the state's impeachment rules. Patrick highlighted the lack of deliberation and openness in the House's approach and proposed amending the constitution to align with past impeachment precedents.
Following the Senate's decision, several senators released statements emphasizing the high burden of proof required for the removal of a public official from office. Georgetown Senator Charles Schwertner, one of 16 senators who voted against every article of impeachment, stated that "the burden of proof – beyond a reasonable doubt – was not met" and stressed the need for judicious use of impeachment as a powerful political tool.
As a result of the acquittal, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick officially reinstated Ken Paxton as the state's Attorney General. Paxton had been suspended from office for the duration of the impeachment proceedings.
