Austin County’s Texas House Representative Stan Kitzman has cast his vote on Saturday in favor of impeaching Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The vote saw 121 representatives in favor and 23 against.
The impeachment resolution comprises twenty articles, each outlining specific charges against Attorney General Ken Paxton. These charges include actions such as disregard of official duty, misuse of public resources, false statements in official records, and abuse of public trust. The seriousness of these allegations necessitates a thorough examination of the evidence presented.
In an email sent to constituents on Friday, May 26, Kitzman addressed the matter, expressing his commitment to ensuring that the consideration of impeachment was conducted with the utmost integrity and fairness. He likened his role in the process to that of a grand jurist, carefully examining the evidence to determine if the charges merit indictment. If the Attorney General is indicted through the impeachment process, the state senators will serve as the jury at his trial. Kitzman assured constituents that the trial would be public and transparent, allowing all Texans to see the same evidence presented to the senators. The Attorney General would have the opportunity to defend himself, and the senators would vote on whether to convict and permanently remove him from office.
While acknowledging that the impeachment process is rare, Kitzman emphasized that it was not a power play or political stunt. He encouraged a thorough examination of the evidence and expressed his intention to approach the upcoming vote with careful consideration. To aid constituents in understanding the situation, Kitzman provided links to the House hearing, the articles of impeachment, a legal memo from the Committee on General Investigating, and a flowchart detailing the impeachment process.
As the 88th Legislative Session draws to a close, Kitzman acknowledged that much work remains to be done. The session concluded on Monday, May 29th, and he promised to provide a comprehensive update in the following week, summarizing the various bills and the results of the Paxton impeachment vote.
Throughout this process, Kitzman pledged to keep constituents informed and involved. He welcomed their thoughts and concerns, recognizing the invaluable role they play in shaping decisions. He expressed gratitude for their continued support and engagement, highlighting the shared commitment to upholding the values that make Texas strong.
You can read the letter along with the included links below:
Fellow Texans of House District 85,
I hope this message finds you well. Today, I am reaching out to you to discuss a matter of significant importance unfolding in the House. We are faced with the potential impeachment of our Attorney General, Ken Paxton.
I have reviewed each article of impeachment, the evidence presented, and the potential implications of each charge. The impeachment resolution includes twenty articles detailing the specific charges against General Paxton. These charges range from disregard of official duty, misuse of public resources, and false statements in official records to abuse of public trust. The allegations are serious and warrant thorough examination.
As your representative, I am committed to ensuring our consideration of impeachment is conducted with the utmost integrity and fairness. In this process, my role is that of a grand jurist. If the Attorney General is indicted through our impeachment, our state senators will serve as the jury at his trial. That trial will be public and transparent so that all Texans can see the same evidence as the senators. In the Senate, the Attorney General will have the full right to defend himself, and our senators will vote on whether or not to convict and permanently remove him from office. This entire process is rare, and it’s rare for a good reason. If I thought for one moment that this was a power play or political stunt, I would be very critical of this process finding its way to the floor.
In preparation for the upcoming vote, there are several key questions that I am considering:
- Is there sufficient evidence to support each charge, and does it justify impeachment?
- What are the potential impacts of this impeachment on the functioning of the Attorney General’s office and the state government?
- How will this impeachment process and its potential outcome align with our commitment to upholding the rule of law and the principles of the Texas Constitution?
- Under the timeline of events and according to the Texas Constitution, is impeachment lawful at this point in time?
- What are the potential consequences for the public trust in our institutions, and how can we best uphold this trust?
To help you better understand the situation, we’ve attached links to the House hearing, the articles of impeachment, a legal memo from the Committee on General Investigating, and a flowchart of the impeachment process.
House Investigating Committee Memo
Flowchart for Process of Impeachment in Texas
As we approach the end of the 88th Legislative Session this Memorial Day weekend, much work remains to be done. We will conclude on Monday, May 29th, and I will provide a comprehensive update next week to summarize the various bills of the session and the results of the Paxton impeachment vote.
As we navigate this process, I am committed to keeping you informed and involved. I will provide updates as the situation unfolds and welcome your thoughts and concerns. Your feedback and prayers are invaluable, especially during these challenging times. I ask your continued prayers for the entire legislature as we navigate these turbulent waters.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we will uphold the values that make Texas strong.
Sincerely,
State Representative Stan Kitzman
Texas House District 85
We will continue to follow the process as it unfolds…
