Texas Taxpayer Burden: Paxton Impeachment Exceeds $4.3 Million

In the Senate Chamber of the Texas Capitol, Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton, centre, is seated with his attorneys Dan Cogdell, rightPhoto byJuan Figueroa / AP Photos

The impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton led to costs of $4.3 million for Texas taxpayers, as revealed in records released by the House Business Office. This exceeded the proposed $3.3 million settlement between the Office of the Attorney General and fired staffers, which fueled the impeachment allegations against Paxton.

After the Senate dismissed all 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized the House Managers, prompting an audit request for legislative impeachment-related expenses. Invoices totaling 228 pages from legal firms were released, detailing expenses in prosecuting Paxton.

Paxton, responding via his campaign, denounced the impeachment as needless, blaming House Speaker Dade Phelan and others for alleged spending of millions in taxpayer money across multiple special sessions.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick highlighted discrepancies in accounting for expenses, suggesting higher costs for the House, citing unpaid legal bills. He criticized the House for its non-cooperation with the audit, contrasting the Senate's reporting of expenses.

The attorneys involved defended their fees, stating they were justified given Paxton's alleged misconduct. Dick DeGuerin argued that the fees were reasonable considering the evidence presented against Paxton. Rusty Hardin emphasized the substantial recoveries whistleblowers might obtain in their lawsuits.

Phelan defended the trial as necessary due to Paxton's refusal to testify, while Rep. Andrew Murr justified the impeachment as upholding transparency and accountability in governance. Murr's committee initiated the investigation, citing the OAG's $3.3 million settlement as a key trigger for impeachment.

Regarding the settlement, it was found to comply with state statute, requiring legislative appropriation for settlements over $250,000. However, inquiries made by The Centre Square to the GIC and Murr's office went unanswered, leaving questions about the alleged misappropriation of funds unaddressed.

In contrast to these expenses, Paxton's litigation recoveries during 2015–2020 ranged from $124 million to $277 million.