Texas Republicans once impeached Paxton. Now his Senate run splits them
Texas Republicans once impeached Paxton. Now his Senate run splits them
Texas Republicans once impeached Paxton Now his - Three years have passed since a majority of Texas House Republicans voted to impeach Ken Paxton, the state's attorney general, over allegations of misconduct. That decision, which followed a contentious process, has now resurfaced as Paxton campaigns for the U.S. Senate, revealing deepening rifts within the party. The race has become a flashpoint for ideological divisions, with some lawmakers embracing his candidacy while others express reservations about his qualifications.
A 2023 Impeachment and Its Aftermath
At the heart of this political split lies the impeachment of Paxton in 2023. The Texas House approved articles of impeachment against him, with 60 Republicans and 61 Democrats joining forces to hold him accountable. Paxton became the third state official in Texas history to face impeachment, joining former Governor James "Pa" Ferguson and District Judge O.P. Carrillo. However, the process was not unanimous, as 23 Republicans voted against the charges, believing there was insufficient evidence to warrant removal.
The impeachment centered on accusations of abuse of office, bribery, and misuse of taxpayer funds. Despite these claims, Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate, which reviewed the case and found no grounds for conviction. The outcome left a lingering tension within the Republican ranks, with some lawmakers distancing themselves from the former attorney general while others remained loyal.
A Split in the Party's Ranks
Now, as Paxton advances in the Senate race, the divisions from the impeachment have reignited. House Republicans who once supported the process are taking varied stances on his campaign, reflecting a broader debate about leadership and accountability. Some view his candidacy as a strong endorsement of conservative values, while others question his integrity and the implications of his past actions.
The race has intensified scrutiny of Paxton's record, with critics highlighting his history of controversial decisions. One prominent figure, Rep. Jeff Leach, has publicly questioned his suitability for the Senate, suggesting the party should consider other candidates. Meanwhile, others, including former colleagues, have shifted their support, framing Paxton as a unifying force for Texas' political future.
Dustin Burrows: From Critic to Ally
Dustin Burrows, a Lubbock-based representative, played a key role in the 2023 impeachment. At the time, he was chair of the House Calendars Committee and had yet to become speaker. Burrows joined 60 Republicans in voting to impeach Paxton, a move he described as necessary after careful consideration of the evidence.
"The facts presented are serious and the laws that were allegedly broken serious enough to warrant his removal from office," Burrows stated in a social media post during the impeachment proceedings.
Burrows emphasized the importance of accountability, arguing that Paxton's actions, including issuing subpoenas for someone who employed his mistress, reflected a pattern of prioritizing personal gain over public service. He acknowledged his personal relationship with Paxton but maintained that the ends did not justify the means.
Despite his support for impeachment, Burrows has since reversed his position. In May 2026, he publicly endorsed Paxton after the attorney general narrowly defeated Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican runoff. His post, shared just 30 minutes before the Associated Press called the race, praised Paxton as a "steadfast conservative fighter for Texas." Burrows signaled his willingness to rally behind the candidate, even as the Senate race looms.
Jeff Leach: Loyalty and Strategic Concerns
Rep. Jeff Leach, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, took a different path. While he supported the impeachment of Paxton, he remained steadfast in his backing of the candidate after the runoff. Leach, who survived Paxton's attempt to replace him in 2024, has since focused on the broader implications of the Senate race for the party's future.
Leach's loyalty to Paxton has drawn attention, particularly as he raised the possibility of subpoenaing the attorney general over a recent plea deal. The deal involved Adam Hoffman, a Waco attorney convicted of sexually abusing a child, and sparked criticism from Cornyn's campaign. Leach argued that the case demonstrated Paxton's willingness to negotiate, even as it raised questions about his commitment to justice.
However, Leach's actions have also been seen as a strategic move to maintain party cohesion. By supporting Paxton, he ensured the candidate's victory in the runoff, which is critical for the Republicans' control of the Senate. His focus on the outcome rather than the process has left some lawmakers wondering if the party is more concerned with unity than principles.
The Road to the Senate
The Senate race has become a test of loyalty for Texas Republicans, with the impeachment vote serving as a reminder of past disagreements. While Burrows and Leach represent different sides of the debate, their positions highlight the challenges of balancing accountability with party unity. For many, the race is not just about Paxton's record but also about the direction of the party in a rapidly changing political landscape.
As the election approaches, the tension between these lawmakers underscores the complexities of running a unified campaign. The impeachment of Paxton in 2023 was a moment of division, but it has now evolved into a reflection of the party's internal dynamics. Whether this split strengthens or weakens the Republican front line in the Senate remains to be seen, as the race continues to shape Texas' political identity.