In a significant development, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has been acquitted of 11 out of 16 articles of impeachment by the Texas Senators.
The move comes after a series of allegations were leveled against Paxton, leading to his impeachment trial.
Paxton, a stalwart in the fight against what some perceive as a Democrat-Marxist onslaught in Texas, has been a target of both Democrats and some Republicans within his own party. His staunch conservative stance has earned him both admiration and animosity in equal measure.
The impeachment trial, which commenced on Tuesday, was a result of allegations of misconduct that led to Paxton's impeachment by the Republican-led Texas House in May. As reported by the Associated Press, the charges against Paxton included bribery, unfitness for office, and abuse of public trust, among others.
The Senate decided to consider 16 out of the 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton. A conviction on even a single charge would result in his removal from office. Pending the outcome of the trial, Paxton was placed on administrative leave.
However, in a turn of events, Texas Senators acquitted Paxton on 11 of the 16 articles of impeachment on Saturday. CBS provided a detailed account of the proceedings, reporting that Paxton was acquitted of articles 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2 of impeachment.
The acquittal of Paxton, a popular figure among conservatives, is seen as a significant blow to those who sought his removal from office. The remaining articles of impeachment are yet to be considered and may be dismissed by the Senators.
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