An investigation led by Republicans in the Texas House of Representatives has recommended indicting Attorney General Ken Paxton.
In a unanimous decision, a Republican-led House investigative committee that has been quietly investigating Paxton for months recommended impeachment of the state’s top attorney. The House of Representatives could vote on the recommendation as early as Friday. Should Paxton be indicted, he would be forced to resign immediately.
For one of the Republicans’ most prominent legal campaigners, who in 2020 asked the US Supreme Court to overturn Joe Biden’s victory, the move could spell a remarkably sudden demise. Only two officers in Texas’ nearly 200-year history have been charged.
Paxton, who faces securities fraud charges and is being investigated by the FBI for abusing his office to support a donor, is a Fox News favorite and a staunch supporter of Donald Trump.
Paxton filed an infamous lawsuit to seek the annulment of the 2020 election, which the Supreme Court rejected.
Unlike at the federal level, if the heavily Republican Texas House of Representatives votes to impeach Paxton, he must leave office immediately pending his trial in the state Senate. If Paxton is found not guilty in Texas, he can return to work. If convicted by the Senate, he will be removed from office.
Much like Donald Trump, Ken Paxton has escaped the consequences for years, but 2023 could be the year of justice, and it could be coming soon for the Texas attorney general.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also White House press secretary and congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in political science. The focus of his thesis was on public policy with a focus on social reform movements.
Awards and professional memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association
