Attorney General Paxton Cleared Of Impeachment Charges

In a Saturday decision, the Texas Senate has voted to acquit Texas Attorney General Kenneth Warren Paxton, Jr. on all 16 articles of impeachment brought against him. The impeachment charges had alleged inappropriate favors for donors, interference in federal investigations, and retaliation against whistleblowers.

Texas AG Ken Paxton has been acquitted on all 16 impeachment charges. pic.twitter.com/8paFrWk62l

— Real Mac Report (@RealMacReport) September 16, 2023

The majority vote on each article during Paxton’s impeachment trial was for acquittal, showcasing strong support for the Attorney General’s actions among Republican senators. 

Lieutenant Gov. Patrick provided clear guidance throughout the impeachment proceedings, emphasizing that each impeachment article should be considered as a whole without dividing its allegations. This approach ensured a thorough examination of the charges against Paxton. 

The Senate jurors had to determine not only whether Paxton had committed every element outlined in each article but also whether his actions warranted removal from office.

After eight days of witness testimonies and one final day of closing arguments, jurors cast their votes on each article on the Senate floor. A majority vote against an article of impeachment resulted in a finding of acquittal for that particular article, culminating in Paxton’s ultimate vindication on all charges.

With a resounding acquittal on all charges, Paxton’s position as Attorney General remains secure as Patrick, a stalwart Republican and the president of the Senate, signed the order of acquittal and promptly reinstated him as the Attorney General of the State of Texas.

The decision, however, has sparked debate within Texas Republican circles. A recent University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll revealed a divide among Republicans, with 24% believing that Paxton should be removed from office, 32% disagreeing, and 43% expressing uncertainty or having no opinion.

Notable among his supporters is former President Donald Trump, who expressed his support for Paxton last week. In a post on Truth Social, Trump decried the efforts of “RINOS” (Republicans in name only) who sought to overturn Paxton’s election last fall. He emphasized the importance of keeping Paxton, whom he described as “one of the TOUGHEST & BEST Attorney Generals in the Country” in office.