Ken Paxton impeachment papers released by Texas lawmakers

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas lawmakers released 20 articles of impeachment Thursday night against state Attorney General Ken Paxton, ranging from bribery to breach of public trust as Republicans in the state were rushing to a quick and sudden vote that could impeach him.

The charges were made public hours after a Republican-led House investigative committee recommended removing the state’s top lawyer. The House could vote on the recommendation as early as Friday. If he impeaches Paxton, he would be forced out of office immediately.

Most of the impeachment charges stem from Paxton’s relationship with one of his wealthy donors, Austin real estate developer Nate Paul. These include alleged efforts to shield Paul from a federal investigation and Paxton’s own attempts to thwart whistleblower complaints filed by his own staff.