Background

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Acquitted in Impeachment Trial

Background

* Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives in May 2021 on charges of securities fraud, bribery, and abuse of office. * Paxton, a Republican and ally of former President Donald Trump, was suspended from his duties during the impeachment trial. * The impeachment trial began on Tuesday, May 31, 2023, and lasted for two weeks.

Acquittal

* On Saturday, June 11, 2023, the Texas Senate acquitted Paxton on all three charges by a vote of 27-3. * 21 votes were needed to convict. * The acquittal means that Paxton will be reinstated to his position as Attorney General.

Reaction

* Paxton celebrated his acquittal, saying that he was "vindicated" and that he would continue to fight for the people of Texas. * Paxton's critics expressed disappointment in the outcome of the trial, saying that the Senate had failed to hold him accountable for his alleged crimes. * The impeachment and trial of Ken Paxton is the latest in a series of high-profile political scandals in Texas.