A question that Texans have been wondering when thinking about the impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is, will his wife, Senator Angela Paxton, participate in the proceedings?
In a statement released Monday, June 19, Sen. Paxton said she will not be recusing herself from impeachment proceedings against Ken Paxton. But, she did not outright say whether or not she will recuse herself on a vote to remove him from office.
Breaking weeks of public silence since her husband was impeached in May, Angela Paxton did not address the accusations in a statement released by her office.
Whether Paxton will cast a vote with her husband's job on the line has raised ethical questions ahead of the looming trial in the Senate, which is set to begin no later than August. State law compels all senators to attend, but is silent on whether she must participate.
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In the statement, Sen. Paxton added that she holds her Senate obligations "sacred" and will carry out her duties:
"I have twice been elected to represent the nearly one million Texans who reside in Senate District 8, and it is a tremendous honor and privilege to be their voice in the Texas Legislature. Each time I was elected, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of this great state, and Texas law compels each member of the Senate to attend when the Senate meets as a court of impeachment. As a member of the Senate, I hold these obligations sacred and I will carry out my duties, not because it is easy, but because the Constitution demands it and because my constituents deserve it.”
A spokesperson did not immediately respond Monday night when asked whether she intends to vote.
Ken Paxton is facing an impeachment trial in August. The Texas House overwhelmingly voted to impeach the attorney general in late May, at which point Paxton was immediately suspended from office. Charges include bribery, abuse of official capacity, conspiracy, retaliation against former employees, and misuse of information.
Angela Paxton's statement was released on the eve of when rules surrounding the trial are expected to be finalized Tuesday by the Texas Senate. There are 31 senators in the chamber, which is led by Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has declined to comment on Sen. Paxton's potential participation in the trial.
Patrick named a seven-member committee to decide on rules and procedures for the trial. The group consists of five Republicans and two Democrats, including Sen. Royce West (D) of Dallas.
Ken Paxton is temporarily suspended from office pending the outcome of the trial.
