Cost of Ken Paxton’s Impeachment: A $5.1 Million Burden on Texas Taxpayers
The impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has resulted in a hefty bill for taxpayers, amounting to approximately $5.1 million. This figure, reported recently by the State Auditor’s Office, primarily covers legal fees incurred during the prosecution of Paxton.
Breakdown of Expenses
According to the findings, the bulk of these costs—nearly 87%—were attributed to the actions of the Texas House of Representatives, which played a significant role in the impeachment proceedings. The House’s total expenditures reached over $4.4 million, with more than $4 million specifically earmarked for contracted professional services, including attorneys and investigators.
Legal Fees
In particular, invoices from two prominent Houston attorneys, Rusty Hardin and Dick DeGuerin, accounted for substantial amounts, exceeding $3.5 million in total for their services in leading the impeachment case against Paxton.
Senate and Other Expenses
The Texas Senate also contributed to the expenses, having spent approximately $435,000 on per diem payments for lawmakers, travel, and the production of official trial documentation. Additionally, the Attorney General’s Office incurred about $230,000, while two other departments—the Texas Legislative Reference Library and the Texas Legislative Council—spend around $8,500 collectively.
Request for Financial Transparency
The auditor’s report follows a request from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has been vocal about the need for clarity regarding the impeachment-related expenses. Patrick, who oversaw the Senate trial, previously expressed concerns over financial management, remarking that the House had “spent like drunken sailors on shore leave.”
Political Ramifications
The impeachment process not only unleashed a torrent of legal expenses but also escalated political tensions between Patrick and the former House Speaker Dade Phelan. In recent communications, Patrick commended the current Speaker, Dustin Burrows, for improving transparency and criticized Phelan for what he labeled as reckless spending of taxpayer money.
In a statement following the report’s release, Patrick highlighted Burrows’ efforts in providing detailed spending records, which aided the auditor’s investigation.
The financial strains resulting from the impeachment of Ken Paxton pose significant questions regarding fiscal responsibility and political accountability within Texas’s legislative framework. As the details of this costly trial continue to unfold, the implications for Texas taxpayers and state governance are becoming increasingly clear.
