Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has successfully navigated a recent impeachment vote in the State Senate. Nevertheless, the specter of an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Justice Department looms large over his political future. In October, Paxton’s legal team will join state prosecutors in court to establish a trial date for his indictment on two counts of securities fraud, a matter that was not directly addressed during the Senate’s acquittal vote.
Dan Cogdell, Paxton’s attorney, anticipates a speedy resolution to the securities case but remains uncertain about the federal probe. Paxton, who has grappled with legal challenges since assuming office in 2015, potentially faces even more substantial legal hurdles due to the pending Justice Department investigation.
This federal inquiry delves into allegations that Paxton leveraged his official position to benefit a political donor, Nate Paul. It is alleged that Paul funded renovations to Paxton’s residence and employed an individual with whom Paxton had an affair. Curiously, the case was transferred to the Justice Department’s public integrity section in Washington after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas recused itself, without offering an explanation.
The investigation has been marked by accusations of misconduct on the part of federal agents in Texas, a factor that has played a significant role in whistleblower claims. Federal investigators are poised to utilize evidence and testimony from recent legislative hearings that shed light on Paxton’s alleged repeated assistance to Paul.
In June, federal prosecutors brought charges against Paul for making false statements to financial institutions, potentially creating an incentive for him to cooperate in the probe targeting Paxton. However, it’s worth noting that federal investigations often follow a protracted timeline, and Paxton’s legal team might entertain the possibility that a future Republican administration could be less inclined to pursue the case.
Paxton and his supporters have framed the legal actions against him as politically motivated. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has called for an audit of the public funds expended on the impeachment proceedings.
Adding a personal dimension to the saga, Paxton’s wife, State Sen, Angela Paxton (R-Mckinney), has voiced her steadfast support for her husband following the impeachment trial. As for the pending securities fraud case, Paxton is confronted with charges related to soliciting investments during his tenure in the Texas House. Observers in the political arena suggest that such charges often result in financial penalties rather than full-blown trials.
As Texas Monthly noted last year, Texas is a striking example of a single-party stronghold, where a small portion of citizens influence decisions due to low turnout in Republican primaries. Unfortunately, the governing Republicans prioritize maintaining power over principles.
Paxton’s ultimate test awaits in the 2026 election, as he continues to maintain a solid base of support despite the impeachment proceedings.
