Texas AG Ken Paxton Acquitted in Impeachment Trial

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Acquitted in Impeachment Trial, Vows to Continue Legal Battles

Austin, Texas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was acquitted Saturday on all articles of impeachment by the state Senate, allowing the embattled Republican to retain his office after a historic trial that captivated the state and drew national attention.

The impeachment charges, brought by the Texas House of Representatives in May, accused Paxton of bribery, disregard of official duty, and abuse of public trust, primarily related to his alleged misuse of office to benefit a wealthy donor, Nate Paul. The House voted 121-23 to impeach Paxton, suspending him from office pending trial.

After nearly two weeks of testimony, the GOP-controlled Senate—composed of 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats—dismissed all 16 impeachment articles. The verdict required a two-thirds majority (21 votes) for conviction, but no single charge garnered more than 14 votes, with most Republicans siding with Paxton.

Paxton Declares Victory, Blames Political Vendetta

Following the acquittal, Paxton called the impeachment a 'sham' and accused his opponents of orchestrating a politically motivated attack.

'This was never about the truth or justice,' Paxton said in a statement. 'It was about power, corruption, and a blatant attempt to overturn the will of the voters.'

His supporters, including former President Donald Trump, celebrated the outcome, framing it as a defeat for establishment Republicans who had turned against Paxton.

Critics Warn of Accountability Concerns

Democrats and some moderate Republicans expressed dismay, arguing that the trial failed to hold Paxton accountable despite substantial evidence of misconduct.

'The message today is clear: In Texas, powerful politicians can abuse their office without consequences,' said State Senator Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat.

The impeachment stemmed from a years-long scandal involving Paxton’s relationship with Austin real estate developer Nate Paul. Whistleblowers within the Attorney General’s office alleged Paxton used his position to help Paul in exchange for favors, including a home renovation and a job for a woman with whom Paxton reportedly had an extramarital affair.

Legal Troubles Not Over

Despite his impeachment acquittal, Paxton still faces legal challenges. He remains under federal investigation for the same allegations, and a separate securities fraud case from 2015—delayed for years—is still pending.

Political analysts suggest the impeachment trial could impact Paxton’s future, even as he remains a favorite among Texas conservatives.

'Ken Paxton survives today, but his reputation is deeply damaged,' said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University. 'The question is whether voters will remember this in the next election.'

Paxton, first elected in 2014, has positioned himself as a staunch conservative, leading high-profile lawsuits against the Biden administration on immigration, healthcare, and election policies. His allies argue the impeachment was an attempt to sideline a key figure in the Republican legal movement.

As the dust settles, Paxton has vowed to resume his work aggressively. 'I’m back to fighting for Texas,' he declared, signaling more legal and political battles ahead.

This is a developing story. Follow for updates.

Texas AG Ken Paxton Acquitted in Impeachment Trial

Report Page