Today I joined my colleagues in voting 121-23, in an overwhelming and bipartisan manner, to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton for disregarding his official duty, misapplication of public resources, constitutional bribery, obstruction of justice, false statements in official records, conspiracy and attempted conspiracy, dereliction of duty, unfitness for office, and abuse of public trust.
Impeachment is a solemn act, having been done only twice before in our state’s history. It is not a decision I made easily nor one that I took lightly. After watching the General Investigating hearing, reviewing the transcripts of proceedings and witness testimony, and considering the debate on the House Floor, there is no other conclusion I could have come to than to vote to impeach. Should you wish to review any of those items, you may do so at the links below:
- Memo on Impeachment
- House Resolution 2377
- Transcript of Proceedings & Witness Testimony
- General Investigating Hearing – 5/24
A vote to impeach means there is sufficient evidence to justify further proceedings and a trial in the Senate. The Texas Constitution gives this power to the House to act as a grand jury would – to investigate, hear witnesses, and determine if there is sufficient grounds to present charges to the Senate for consideration. Today unequivocally concluded this to be so in a bipartisan vote.
At its core, impeachment serves to protect the state. The actions we have taken today are in accordance with precedent from previous impeachment proceedings and Texas Supreme Court decisions. I took an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of Texas to the best of my abilities. By voting to impeach, I have upheld my oath.