The impeachment trial of Ken Paxton that ended in his acquittal on Saturday was about more than the fate of the Texas attorney general.
It was also the most dramatic flashpoint in a yearslong struggle among Republican leaders in the Legislature over control of the party and the future direction of the state.
The trial occurred only because a majority of Republicans in the Texas House voted in May to impeach Mr. Paxton, sending charges of bribery and abuse of office to the State Senate.
But after the voting was done on Saturday, and Republican state senators decided overwhelmingly against removing Mr. Paxton from office, the lieutenant governor lashed out at the Texas House, whose Republican members are more moderate.
“An impeachment should never happen again in the House like it happened this year,” Mr. Patrick said.
Persons:
Ken Paxton, Mr, Paxton, Gov, Dan Patrick, “, ” Mr, Patrick
Organizations:
Republican, Republicans, Texas House, State Senate, Texas Constitution
Locations:
Texas