It was years of controversy, accusations of criminal activity, and allegations of corruption against Ken Paxton. All these, the Texas’s Republican leadership had mostly ignored up until now. However lately, the attorney general of Texas, Ken Paxton, was finally teetered. He was led on the verge of impeachment on Thursday.
The Probe Initiation Against Ken Paxton
It was the consequence of an investigation, which the Republican led House committee had secretly approved against Paxton. This was initiated in March of 2023. A startling testimony from the investigators was heard by Texas House committee this Wednesday. Consequently, It was regarding claims of a years-long pattern of wrongdoing and dubious activities by Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Ken Paxton Offence
A Republican-led House investigation panel that spent months discreetly investigating Paxton came to the unanimous conclusion that the state’s top attorney should be removed from office for 20 reasons. This included bribery, ineligibility for office, and abuse of public trust. The recommendation for Paxtons impeachment may be put to a vote by the House by this month end of May 2023. If Paxton is found guilty, he would be evicted from office.
History of Paxtons Other Investigations
For years, the FBI has been looking into allegations that Paxton misused his office to assist a donor. Also, he has not been tried despite being separately charged with securities fraud in 2015.
Four detectives for the House General Investigating Committee told in a rare public hearing that they think Paxton violated multiple state laws, squandered office funds, and abused his position of authority to benefit a friend and political donor. Their testimony was detailed and methodical.
Moreover, their investigation was first focused on a potential $3.3 million settlement for a whistleblower case brought by four senior deputies who were dismissed after they accused Paxton of receiving bribes and other wrongdoing.
The Pre-requisites for Impeachment
Additionally, Impeachment of Paxton would now require the approval of a majority of the state’s 150-member House, which Republicans now hold 85-64.
Paxton served five terms in the House of Representatives before switching to the state Senate, although it’s unknown how many supporters he may have there. Especially, no other prominent Texas Republicans have endorsed Paxton since the possibility of impeachment erupted on Wednesday.
Firstly, only the Texas House has the authority to initiate the impeachment process on elected officials. This would then result in a Senate trial. A majority of two thirds in each chamber is needed for removal. Only two people in Texas history have experienced this, in 1917, Governor James Ferguson and District Judge O.P. Carrillo in 1975.
Only the governor, the speaker of the House and 50 members, or a majority of all House members may call for a special session to discuss impeachment.
