Paxton promises to end the weaponization of government. Three federal courts found he used his own office to retaliate.
The impeachment he calls a witch hunt began with his own aides and a Republican House, while judges found his office targeted a newsroom, a Latino voter group and his opponent’s donation platform.
Paxton says he has been the target of politically motivated witch hunts and promises to end the weaponization of government.
Source: Campaign issues page, Oct. 18, 2026 · Ken Paxton for SenateWhat the record shows
Paxton says he has been the target of politically motivated witch hunts and promises to end the weaponization of government. 01 The impeachment case against him began with his own senior aides, who reported him to the FBI in 2020 and were then fired; a judge ruled the firings illegal and the state is paying $6.6 million. 02 The Republican-controlled Texas House impeached him 121–23. 03
Three federal courts have found that Paxton himself used his office against his critics and opponents. A unanimous appeals court found Media Matters was likely the target of “a government campaign of retaliation.” 04 A judge found he acted in bad faith against a Latino voter-registration group. 05 Another blocked his suit against ActBlue, the Democrats’ donation platform, as retaliation for its fundraising for his opponent and cited his “well-known history of filing retaliatory lawsuits.” 06
The record behind this
- A Republican-led Texas House impeaches Paxton 121–23
The case began when eight of his own senior aides reported him to law enforcement in 2020.
- Judge rules Paxton’s office illegally fired the aides who reported him to the FBI
The court awarded the four men about $6.6 million, paid by the state.
- Appeals court finds Paxton’s Media Matters probe likely “a government campaign of retaliation”
- Judge finds Paxton acted in bad faith against a Latino voter-registration group
The judge said he offered no plausible proof and was “fishing for reasons to investigate.”
- Judge blocks Paxton’s ActBlue suit, citing his “well-known history of filing retaliatory lawsuits”
The probe began days after his opponent announced raising $2.5 million in 24 hours.
Paxton’s response
His campaign says that like President Trump he has been “politically persecuted for years,” and that voters have seen through it. 07
Sources
- 01The Fight at Hand (campaign issues page)Ken Paxton for Senate · Oct. 18, 2026
- 02Attorney General Ken Paxton’s former aides win $6.6 million in whistleblower caseThe Texas Tribune · April 4, 2025
- 03Texas AG Ken Paxton impeached, suspended from duties; will face Senate trialThe Texas Tribune · May 27, 2023
- 04DC Circuit shuts down Texas probe over Media Matters roast of Elon MuskCourthouse News Service · May 30, 2025
- 05Texas attorney general acted in bad faith against Latino civic group Jolt Initiative, judge rulesVotebeat / The Texas Tribune · Jan. 29, 2026
- 06Judge halts Ken Paxton’s ‘retaliatory’ ActBlue fundraising lawsuitCourthouse News Service · June 11, 2026
- 07Ken Paxton Caught Partying With U.S. Fugitives in DubaiThe New Republic · Oct. 2026