Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Acquitted of All Impeachment Charges

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was acquitted of 16 impeachment charges by the Texas State Senate on Saturday.

The Details: The vote followed an eight-hour closed-door session by 30 state senators, 19 of whom were Republican. The impeachment managers needed at least nine GOP senators to cross party lines per vote, but never got more than two on any charge. Had Paxton been convicted on any count, he would have been permanently barred from holding public office in Texas.

For Context: In May, Paxton was impeached in a 121-23 vote by Texas’ Republican-led House of Representatives over charges of bribery, disregard of official duties, and abuse of public trust. Paxton has received endorsement from Former President Donald Trump and and in 2020 asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Presidential Election results. Several Republicans believed the impeachment against Paxton was politically motivated.

Key Quotes: Paxton’s lawyer said during proceedings on Friday, “I would suggest to you this is a political witch hunt… a partisan fight within the Republican Party.” Democratic state Sen. Nathan Johnson, said, “We reached the wrong result and it was the result of political pressures.”

How the Media Covered It: Associated Press (Lean Left bias) and The Hill (Center bias) included analysis in their coverage. AP called the ruling a “resounding verdict that reaffirms the power of the GOP’s hard right.” The Hill said “it’s not fully clear” why Paxton was acquitted. National Review (Right bias) included sentiments from Paxton’s lawyer and other Republican representatives.