Local Rep. Votes to Impeach Paxton

The Texas House of Representatives voted to impeach State Attorney General Ken Paxton 121-23 on Saturday, May 27.

State Rep. Stan Kitzman, who represents Fayette County, voted with the majority to impeach the embattled Paxton. Kitzman was among 60 of his fellow Republicans and 61 Democrats who voted in favor of impeachment. The 23 who voted against impeachment are all Republicans.

Among the 20 articles of impeachment, Paxton is accused of taking bribes from a real estate investor, trying to protect that same investor from legal action, abusing the powers of the office and firing staff members who reported his misconduct.

Paxton will now face a trial in the State Senate. A twothirds vote of the Senate is required to remove Paxton from office and permanently bar him from holding office.

State Senator Lois Kolkhorst represents Fayette County in the Senate. Kolkhorst issued a statement on Saturday concerning the upcoming trial: “The matter will now come to the Texas Senate for trial,” Kolkhorst said. “Under the Texas Constitution, the Senate serves like a jury. Because we are jurors, we cannot discuss the case with anyone. Of course, we welcome and encourage communication from our constituents, but we cannot engage in discussions about the trial. Please do not be alarmed or concerned when we do not communicate directly with you about the case. We cannot do that. Know that we will faithfully follow the constitution and the law, and we will honor our sworn oaths.”

Ken Paxton’s wife, Angela Paxton, serves in the State Senate representing portions of Collin and Dallas counties.