Paxton Impeachment Trial: What You Need to Know
The Paxton impeachment trial is a historic event in Texas politics, as it is the first time a statewide official faces such a fate since 1917. Attorney General Ken Paxton, a staunch conservative and ally of former President Donald Trump, has been accused of abusing his office to help a donor and friend who is under federal investigation, misusing state funds to pay former staffers who sued him, and violating his oath of office by challenging the 2020 presidential election results. The trial could have significant consequences for Paxton’s political future and for the direction of Texas policies on issues such as immigration, health care, abortion, gun rights, religious freedom, and environmental regulation. Here is everything you need to know about the Paxton impeachment trial.
What are the charges against Paxton?
Paxton faces 16 articles of impeachment, which were approved by the GOP-led House in May. The articles allege that Paxton:
Abused his office to benefit Nate Paul, a real estate developer and donor who is under federal investigation for fraud and bribery. Paxton allegedly intervened in Paul’s legal disputes, pressured state agencies to investigate his enemies, and hired an outside lawyer to look into Paul’s claims of wrongdoing by federal agents.
Misused state funds to pay $3.3 million in settlement to seven former staffers who accused him of corruption and retaliation. Paxton allegedly fired or forced out the staffers after they reported him to the FBI for his dealings with Paul.
Violated his oath of office by filing a lawsuit to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in four swing states won by Joe Biden. Paxton claimed that the states had illegally changed their voting procedures without legislative approval, but his lawsuit was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Paxton has denied any wrongdoing and has called the impeachment process a “political witch hunt” orchestrated by his enemies. He has also vowed to fight the charges and clear his name.
How will the trial work?
The trial will be conducted by the Senate, which has adopted a set of rules to govern the proceedings. The trial will be presided over by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is a close ally of Paxton and has publicly defended him. Paxton’s wife, Sen. Angela Paxton, is also a member of the Senate, but she will not vote or participate in the deliberations.
The trial will follow these steps:
- The House will appoint managers to present the case against Paxton. The managers will act as prosecutors and will have access to evidence and witnesses.
- Paxton will have lawyers to represent him and defend him against the charges. The lawyers will have access to evidence and witnesses as well.
- The Senate will hear arguments from both sides and question witnesses if necessary. The Senate may also grant or deny motions from either side, such as motions to dismiss some or all of the articles.
- The Senate will vote on each article separately. To convict Paxton and remove him from office, at least two-thirds of the senators present must vote in favor of each article.
- If convicted, Paxton will be barred from holding any public office in Texas again. If acquitted, he will be reinstated as attorney general and resume his duties.
The trial is expected to last for several days or weeks, depending on how long each side takes to present its case and whether any motions are granted or denied. The Senate gallery will be open to the public daily, with tickets distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The trial will also be live-streamed online for those who cannot attend in person.
What are the implications of the trial?
The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for the future of Texas politics and policies.
Paxton has been a key figure in advancing conservative policies and challenging liberal ones on issues such as immigration, health care, abortion, gun rights, religious freedom, and environmental regulation. He has also been a loyal supporter of Trump and his agenda.
His removal could create a power vacuum in the attorney general’s office, which is responsible for enforcing state laws and representing the state in legal disputes. It could also affect his political ambitions, as he has been rumored to run for governor or senator in 2026.
His acquittal could boost his popularity among his base and strengthen his influence within the Republican Party, which dominates the state’s government and electorate. It could also embolden him to pursue more aggressive actions against his opponents and critics.
The trial could also affect the public perception and trust in the state’s justice system, as Paxton has been accused of undermining the rule of law and abusing his authority for personal gain. His supporters have argued that he is being unfairly targeted by political opponents and biased media outlets who want to tarnish his reputation and derail his agenda.
The Paxton impeachment trial is a rare and historic event in Texas history, as it is the first of its kind since 1917, when Gov. James Ferguson was impeached and removed for vetoing funding for the University of Texas. The trial is also a test of the loyalty and influence of Paxton and his allies within the Republican Party. The trial will likely attract national attention and scrutiny, as it will reveal the state of Texas politics and policies in the post-Trump era.
