In a testament to the grandeur of Texas politics, the upcoming impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton has sparked a fiery debate across the Lone Star state. Astoundingly though, while the impeachment effort may be loud, it seems to exist in an echo chamber, backed only by a fraction of the state’s Republican voters.
A recent poll from the University of Texas Politics Project found that just 28% of Republican respondents supported the charges against Ken Paxton. Contrastingly, despite the antagonistic cries from across the aisle, 42% of independents and a predictable three-quarters of Democrats felt the charges warranted. What’s more, one-third of Republicans flatly dismissed the impeachment as unjustified, opting to stand staunchly behind Paxton – the man who has shown himself to be a bulwark of conservative values.
Paxton, the man of the hour, has faced his share of political attacks, with his approval rating dropping to 27% among all voters, the lowest in two years. But this statistic misjudges where Paxton’s real power lies – within the Republican electorate. Here, Paxton still maintains a robust approval of 46%, demonstrating how the broad swathes of true conservatives continue to back him.
Critics would do well to remember that Republicans hold a firm majority within the Senate, wielding greater influence with their 19 members. With every Democrat anticipated to vote for the conviction of Paxton, it is the Senate Republicans on whom Paxton-supporting groups have placed their focus. The objective: to push back against political manipulation, steer clear of partisan impeachment, and protect a Republican champion.
The Paxton camp raises a potent argument, warning Republican senators about jeopardizing their political futures by voting to convict the attorney general—an individual acclaimed for his relentless pursuit of truth and justice in the face of political adversity.
What’s more, Paxton and his counsel have rightly contended that he should remain in office, as voters, fully aware of any ethical questions, have repeatedly demonstrated their trust in him with two previous elections.
Even facing turmoil, Ken Paxton’s overall approval rating still outshines that of House Speaker Dade Phelan, the architect behind the secretive investigation of Paxton and his subsequent impeachment recommendation.
Indeed, as Texas readies itself for Paxton’s impeachment trial, the broader Republican electorate will not be easily swayed by the minority clamor for conviction. Their gaze is resolute; their mission clear – stand by Ken Paxton, a genuine conservative warrior in the face of relentless opposition. With their trust, undeterred by political pressure, Paxton may yet rise above this partisan storm.
