Texas AG Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial is in the hands of Republicans who have been by his side

The impending impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is poised to challenge the resolve of Republican senators who have stood by his side. The trial is set to commence in the state Senate and represents a formidable test for Republican senators, as they grapple with the decision to remove one of their own members from office. Ken Paxton, a prominent figure in Texas politics, has been entangled in a series of controversies and criminal charges over the past nine years, including allegations of corruption and scandal. If found guilty, Paxton could face removal from his position, a significant outcome given that only two officials in Texas’ nearly two-century history have been impeached.

The trial is expected to feature witnesses such as Paxton himself and a woman with whom he admitted to having an extramarital affair. The public seeking to observe the proceedings from the gallery will need passes, while conservative activists have already taken steps to apply pressure on senators through TV airtime and billboards. This situation underscores the gravity of the trial while simultaneously transforming it into a noteworthy spectacle.

The events leading up to the trial have exposed divisions within Texas Republicans, mirroring the broader schisms affecting the national party in the lead-up to the 2024 election. Noteworthy policy points in recent Texas politics involve stringent measures to address immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border, debates over educational curriculum in public schools, and limitations on LGBTQ+ rights. Many of these issues are vociferously championed by Republican senators, who hold a commanding 19-12 majority and hold the fate of Paxton in their hands.

The Senate has traditionally been a favorable environment for Paxton, who was previously a state senator before assuming the role of attorney general in 2015. Paxton’s ties to the Senate include his wife, Angela, who is a state senator, although she is precluded from voting in the trial. Notably, Paxton maintains connections within the chamber, including with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is set to oversee the trial and had provided financial support to Paxton’s reelection campaign.

Should all 12 Democrats in the Senate vote in favor of Paxton’s conviction, they would still require the support of at least nine Republican counterparts. Alternatively, the Senate could opt for a simple majority vote to dismiss the charges altogether. It’s noteworthy that a predominantly Republican House had overwhelmingly determined Paxton’s impeachment.

The trial has also heightened Paxton’s legal vulnerabilities. The case primarily revolves around his association with Nate Paul, an Austin-based real estate developer who faced indictment for allegedly providing false statements to secure substantial loans. Recent developments indicate that federal prosecutors in Washington have escalated their investigation of Paxton’s dealings with Paul, employing a grand jury in San Antonio for this purpose.

Chris Toth, a former executive director of the National Association of Attorneys General, noted that Paxton has weathered unique scandals among top state attorneys. The trial’s outcome is expected to convey a broader message regarding the conduct deemed acceptable for elected officials across the nation.

In preparation for the trial, impeachment managers within the GOP-controlled Texas House submitted nearly 4,000 pages of exhibits, which included allegations of Paxton’s use of multiple cellphones and his indulgence in various office-related privileges. Chris Toth expressed concern over the influential sway that Paxton seems to exert despite his controversial behavior.

A key factor in Paxton’s enduring political resilience is his alignment with former President Donald Trump. This alignment was especially evident when Paxton joined efforts to challenge the outcome of the 2020 election. Like Trump, Paxton claims to be a target of politically motivated investigations.

James Dickey, a former chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, observed that Republican voters perceive Paxton’s impeachment differently from the legal issues facing Trump. The partisan context surrounding actions against Trump contributes to the heightened concern and frustration among Republican voters.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick clarified in a recent television interview that the trial is neither a criminal nor civil trial, but rather a political trial. This distinction underscores the unique nature of the proceedings.

Reported by Bleiberg from Dallas.

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