On Thursday, May 13th, 2021, the impeachment trial of Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is set to begin in Austin, Texas. Paxton is accused of using his position to serve his personal interests, such as awarding a contract to a friend’s company without following procurement procedures. Paxton has denied any wrongdoing. The trial is set to be presided over by an all-Republican impeachment committee of three state lawmakers, with Paxton appearing as a witness. The trial is expected to last several days, and if the committee finds Paxton guilty, he could be subject to removal from office.
This impeachment trial is garnering considerable attention due in part to the tension and controversy between Texas authorities and the wider Texan Republican party. While the Texas Representatives understand the necessity of an impeachment trial due to the serious allegations against Paxton, the sentiment from many Texas Republicans is that he should be allowed to remain in office. While one Republican Representative, Matt Schaefer, has called for accountability and a “thorough review through the due process of law,” attaining a majority vote for any finding of guilt in the impeachment trial may prove difficult due to the political tensions surrounding the case.
