Former Top Aide Testifies in Historic Impeachment Trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

The Texas Senate is currently deciding whether to convict Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on 16 articles of impeachment, which include bribery, misuse of public office and unfitness of office. On Wednesday, former top aide Jeff Mateer testified in the historic impeachment trial, providing insight into why Paxton was using his power in ways that are now at the center of the trial.

Mateer testified that he believed an extramarital affair Paxton had with a donor’s employee was “relevant” to the accusations in the articles of impeachment. According to Mateer, the affair helped connect the dots about why Paxton was using his power in the ways he was. He also said that it answered the “why” question.

The articles of impeachment allege that Paul, a donor to Paxton, hired the woman with whom Paxton was allegedly having an affair. In return, Paxton allegedly used his power to benefit Paul. If Paxton is convicted of any one of the articles of impeachment, he will be removed as attorney general and could be barred from running for office again.

Paxton has acknowledged the affair to staff, but has not commented on the allegations of bribery. Mateer reported Paxton to the FBI in 2020 over allegations of abuse of office. The impeachment trial is the gravest threat to Paxton’s political career after years of criminal charges and alleged scandal.

The Texas Senate is expected to make a decision on the articles of impeachment in the coming days. The outcome of the trial will determine whether Paxton will remain in office or be removed.