Ken Paxton secured his third full term as the Attorney General of Texas following the 2022 election cycle. As the state’s chief legal officer, he oversees a massive office responsible for defending state laws, prosecuting consumer fraud, and representing the interests of Texas in federal litigation.
The 2022 Election Results
Going into the 2022 midterm elections, Ken Paxton was the incumbent facing a primary challenge from former Congressman Louie Gohmert. Paxton won the Republican primary comfortably, effectively securing the office in the heavily Republican state. In the general election held in November, he faced Democratic challenger Rochelle Mercedes Garza. Exit polls and final tallies confirmed that Ken Paxton won the Texas attorney general race by a significant margin, maintaining the office within the GOP column.
Primary Challenge and General Election
Incumbent Ken Paxton defeated primary opponent Louie Gohmert in the March 2022 Republican primary.
Democratic attorney Rochelle Mercedes Garza was the general election opponent in November.
Final results showed Paxton winning by over 10 percentage points.
Legal Challenges and Tenure
Since winning the election, Paxton’s tenure has been defined by aggressive litigation against federal policies. His office has filed numerous lawsuits challenging Biden administration directives on immigration, environmental regulations, and education. This posture has solidified his base among conservative voters who view him as a defender of states' rights against federal overreach.
Ongoing Investigations and Ethics
It is important to note that Paxton’s time in office has not been without controversy. He has faced a series of ethics investigations and a federal indictment related to allegations of bribery and abuse of office. While voters re-elected him in 2022, these legal battles have remained a persistent feature of his second full term, creating a complex legacy for the office he holds.
Filing lawsuits against federal government policies regarding vaccine mandates.
Leading multistate actions against financial institutions regarding environmental policies.
Facing federal indictment in 2023 regarding allegations of official misconduct.
Historical Context of the Office
To understand the current officeholder, it is helpful to look at the history of the Texas Attorney General. The office was officially created in 1836 when Texas was still a republic. Over the decades, the role has evolved from a small legal department to a massive bureaucracy with jurisdiction over consumer protection, public integrity, and state revenue.
Past Holders of the Office
Before Paxton, the office was held by Greg Abbott, who served from 2002 until he became Governor. Abbott was succeeded by Ken Paxton, who took office in 2015 after a special election. Looking further back, figures like John Hill and Mark White shaped the office during the late 20th century, navigating different legal landscapes than the current era.
2024 and Current Status
Entering 2024, Ken Paxton remains the Attorney General of Texas. He continues to execute the duties of the office, signing legal briefs and representing the state in high-stakes cases. While there has been speculation about future runs for higher office, Paxton currently holds the position and is actively managing the day-to-day operations of the attorney general’s headquarters in Austin.
The Role of the Attorney General
The winner of the Texas Attorney General race carries significant weight. This official acts as the top lawyer for the state, advising the governor and legislature on legal matters. They also oversee consumer protection divisions that go after scams and fraudulent businesses, making the office a critical component of Texas state government regardless of the political party in control.
