Paxton Acquitted

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) was acquitted in his impeachment trial by the state senate Saturday, ending a yearlong saga over allegations of bribery, obstruction of justice, and misuse of public funds. Paxton, who has been suspended since May, will return to his office and resume normal duties.

Paxton stood accused of, among other issues, providing benefits to a donor in exchange for help in facilitating an extramarital affair (see previous write-up). A probe by a Republican-led committee was launched into Paxton's dealings after he requested $3.3M to settle a whistleblower lawsuit brought by former staff.

In May, a significant majority of Texas House legislators voted to impeach Paxton by a 121-23 vote. The trial, held by Senate, voted to hear 16 of the 20 articles of impeachment. Ultimately, no charge received more than 14 of the 21 votes needed to convict.

Paxton also faces charges of securities fraud in a separate, long-delayed case.