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The impeached Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has been embroiled in a series of legal woes since his election in 2014. A conservative firebrand and staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, Paxton has made headlines for his legal battles against key policies and his alleged misconduct. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Paxton’s tenure, highlighting the major legal challenges he has faced.
2015: Shortly after assuming office, Paxton was indicted on securities fraud charges. Prosecutors alleged that he deceived investors by selling shares of a technology company without proper registration or disclosure. Despite ongoing disputes over judges, location, and prosecutors’ pay, the case is yet to go to trial. Paxton vehemently denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the charges as a politically motivated witch hunt.
2018: Despite the cloud of legal controversy, Paxton managed to secure a second term as Texas Attorney General in 2018, defeating Democrat Justin Nelson by a margin of 3.6 percentage points.
2020: In 2020, seven of Paxton’s top aides publicly accused him of bribery and abusing his office. They alleged that he used his authority to benefit political ally Nate Paul, a real estate investor and campaign donor. The whistleblowers reported their allegations to the FBI, resulting in a federal investigation conducted by the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section in Washington.
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2020: As a loyal supporter of former President Donald Trump, Paxton filed a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn the results of the 2020 election in four swing states after President Joe Biden’s victory. However, the US Supreme Court dismissed Paxton’s lawsuit. It is worth noting that Paxton also attended the “Stop the Steal” rally on January 6, 2021, preceding the riot at the US Capitol.
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2022: In 2022, the State Bar of Texas sued Paxton for professional misconduct, specifically regarding his claims of substantial voter fraud, which the bar deemed as misrepresentations and false statements. Paxton’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit on jurisdictional grounds was rejected by a Collin County district court judge. Despite these challenges, Paxton emerged successful in the Republican primary and general election, securing a third term as Texas Attorney General.
2023: In February 2023, Paxton reached a settlement of $3.3 million with four whistleblowers, accompanied by an apology. However, Paxton’s request for the state legislature to approve the settlement funds triggered an investigation by the General Investigating Committee of the Texas House. The committee’s probe focused on Paxton’s alleged misuse of his office’s employees, including writing a legal opinion to aid Nate Paul in avoiding foreclosure. Based on the committee’s unanimous recommendation, the Texas House voted to impeach Paxton, leading to his temporary suspension from duties as Attorney General.
Ken Paxton’s tenure as Texas Attorney General has been marked by a string of legal controversies. From his indictment on securities fraud charges to whistleblower claims, election lawsuits, and a State Bar lawsuit, Paxton has faced significant challenges. The recent impeachment by the Texas House further complicates his political future, setting the stage for a Senate trial to determine his fate. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of Paxton’s alleged misconduct and the subsequent actions taken against him will undoubtedly shape Texas politics.
