Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton to face impeachment vote in GOP-controlled House

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, will face an impeachment vote in the Lone Star State's GOP-controlled House Saturday, multiple outlets reported.

Paxton criticized the measure ahead of the vote in a press conference Friday afternoon, calling the efforts "illegal" and a "scheme to overturn a decision made by Texas voters," the Center Square reported.

"They are determined to ignore the law. They have denied me the opportunity to present the evidence, which contradicts their politically motivated narrative, and they are showcasing their absolute contempt for the electoral process," AG Paxton said in the press conference.

Paxton encouraged people to peacefully protest the proceedings.

"I want to invite my fellow citizens and friends to peacefully come let their voices be heard at the Capitol tomorrow ... Exercise your right. Petition your government," Paxton also said.

The law would require Paxton step aside from his position if he were to be impeached, according to the New York Post.

An investigative group working for the Texas House alleges Paxton used his office to help Austin real estate developer Nate Paul. The group says Paul donated $25,000 to Paxton's campaign, as NPR station KUT reported.

"To be negligent is just one thing," investigator Donna Cameron told the Texas House General Investigative Committee.

"But malfeasance is when you are actively and intentionally doing things to the detriment of the office and to your oath and to the responsibility that you have to the state of Texas and the public."

The conclusion of their months' long investigation was that Paxton allegedly committed multiple violations of the law. The investigation stemmed from Paxton asking lawmakers in Texas for $3.3 million to settle a suit brought by four former employees who accused Paxton of wrongdoing with respect to Paul.

The report indicates Paxton was allegedly "forcing staff to change a ruling on COVID-19 restrictions to benefit Paul and hired an outside attorney to serve as a special prosecutor and fight federal law enforcement on Paul's behalf," NPR reported.

Paxton called legislators' actions "deceitful," saying the credibility of the Texas House would sustain lasting damage for their actions.

The Texas House "is poised to do exactly what [President] Biden as been hoping to accomplish since his first day in office — sabotage our work, my work, as Attorney General of Texas."

Watch Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) interview Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) Friday ahead of an impeachment hearing in the Texas House scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

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