Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces 20 counts of impeachment from GOP-led House panel

Paxton has been under FBI investigation for some time, following allegations that he used his position to help a benefactor, and he has also been charged with securities fraud in a separate case, from which he is yet to face trial. The investigative committee’s findings have provoked accusations from Paxton, who called the allegations “hearsay and gossip.” He also accused House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Republican, of being drunk during a recent session, and called for his resignation.

Impeachment in Texas differs from the process in Congress, as it requires the immediate removal of the official without delay until a Senate trial takes place. Should Paxton be impeached, Republican Governor Greg Abbott may need to appoint an interim successor. However, final removal from office will require a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate. Although it is unclear how many supporters Paxton may still have in the House, the rebuke was not unexpected, as several Republicans in the state have long been critical of Paxton’s alleged wrongdoing.

The charges against Paxton are linked to his allegedly inappropriate relationship with one of his donors, Nate Paul. The allegations include claims that Paxton used his office to protect Paul from an FBI investigation and to block whistleblower complaints. Additionally, bribery charges suggest Paul employed a woman with whom Paxton had an affair in exchange for legal support and paid for costly renovations to Paxton’s Austin home. Paxton’s relationship with Paul has attracted much criticism and is viewed by some as the most serious risk to his position.