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Ken Paxton
Texas Attorney General
Indicted Attorney General Who Survived Impeachment
Overview
Ken Paxton has served as Texas Attorney General since 2015 while under felony securities fraud indictment since before taking office. He was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 over bribery and abuse of office allegations but acquitted by the Texas Senate. His tenure has been marked by using the office to benefit a political donor, retaliating against whistleblowers, and filing dozens of partisan lawsuits including an attempt to invalidate millions of votes in other states after the 2020 election.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Under felony securities fraud indictment since 2015 for allegedly recruiting investors without disclosing his commission; case repeatedly delayed
Impeached by Texas House in 2023 on 20 articles including bribery, abuse of office, and obstruction; acquitted by Texas Senate
Accused of using AG office to benefit donor Nate Paul, including intervening in his legal disputes and using state resources
Eight senior staff members reported Paxton to FBI for bribery and abuse of power, then were fired in apparent retaliation
Filed lawsuit seeking to invalidate electoral results in four states after 2020 election; Supreme Court dismissed for lack of standing
Settled whistleblower retaliation lawsuit for $3.3 million in taxpayer funds to the fired staffers
Used office resources for personal matters including home renovation disputes and extramarital affair logistics
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Donald Trump
Filed 2020 election lawsuit on Trumps behalf; Trump endorsed Paxton during impeachment trial
Nate Paul
Political donor at center of bribery allegations; Paxton allegedly used AG office to benefit Pauls legal and business interests
Sources & Documentation
3 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Texas Tribune: Ken Paxton Impeachment Coverage(2023)
Associated Press: Paxton Securities Fraud Indictment(2015)
Dallas Morning News: Whistleblower Complaint and Settlement(2024)
Personal Information
- Born
- 1963-05-01
- Birthplace
- Ellsworth, Maine
Education
- •B.A., Baylor University (1985)
- •J.D., University of Virginia School of Law (1991)
Key Timeline
2015-01
Sworn in as Texas AG while under felony indictment
2015-07
Indicted on two first-degree felony securities fraud charges and one third-degree charge
2020-01
Affair with employee and connection to donor Nate Paul begins to surface
2020-09
Eight top aides report Paxton to FBI; all subsequently fired or forced out
2020-12
Filed Texas v. Pennsylvania seeking to overturn four states election results
2023-05
Impeached by Texas House with bipartisan support on 20 articles
2023-09
Acquitted by Texas Senate; returned to office immediately
2024-02
Settled whistleblower lawsuit for $3.3 million in taxpayer money