After thorough review of the evidence provided by investigators and prayerful consideration, I voted today to send forth articles of impeachment regarding Attorney General Ken Paxton for a full trial in the Texas Senate.
To be clear, this was not a vote to oust anybody from office, but vote to send the articles of impeachment to the Texas Senate. The Texas constitution—which I took a solemn oath to preserve, protect and defend—does not allow the House to determine guilt in impeachment proceedings. It authorizes the Senate to hold a public trial with all the rights of due process. The Senate will decide whether or not to remove Attorney General Paxton from office.
The purpose of impeachment proceedings is to protect the State of Texas, not to punish anyone. The articles of impeachment that were approved by the Texas House (with the support of more than 70% of House Republicans) detailed 20 separate charges ranging from abuse of power, multiple violations of Texas law, to misappropriation of public resources and obstruction of justice.
Attorney General Paxton has been a fierce defender of Texas sovereignty, and this vote was not about the good work he has done. But this is Texas, and no one regardless of their past victories or future ambitions should be above the rule of law. I know that my vote won’t be popular with everyone, but I voted on principle, not political expediency.
– State Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa)
