Texas Speaker Steps Down After Failed Paxton Impeachment

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Dade Phelan, who faced criticism for leading Ken Paxton’s impeachment proceedings, announced his withdrawal from the Texas House Speaker position on Friday.

Dade Phelan, the Drunk Texas House Speaker Who Spearheaded Impeachment Against Ken Paxton, Steps Down From Role – Paxton Responds https://t.co/5yRDefhkBr

— Jim Hoft (@jimhoft_) December 6, 2024

In response, Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a statement criticizing Phelan for allegedly favoring Democratic interests over his Republican colleagues.

The controversy surrounding Phelan intensified after an incident where he appeared intoxicated during a Texas House session. This led to Paxton’s public call for his resignation in May 2023.

Shortly after this confrontation, Phelan and other House members initiated impeachment proceedings against Paxton, presenting 20 articles including allegations of bribery and abuse of public trust.

During his tenure as Attorney General, Paxton successfully defended Texas in twelve election-related lawsuits, preventing the implementation of mail-in ballots and ID-free voting measures. He also took strong stances against major technology companies and maintained strong public support, securing re-election in 2022.

The impeachment efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful, with Texas Senators acquitting Paxton on all 16 articles in September. Following this, Texas GOP leadership voted 58-2 in favor of a resolution requesting Phelan’s resignation.

Just heard that Texas SREC calls for Phelan's resignation by a vote of 58-2.

— Tinker (@Tinker08406246) September 23, 2023

“He has also wasted millions of tax dollars on a politically motivated sham impeachment, killed a critical border security bill and empowered an Obama lawyer to stop conservative legislation. As the legislature prepares for an anticipated special session to provide children with more opportunities for quality education, it is critical that Dade Phelan resigns as Speaker or is removed from his leadership position,” Paxton stated.