Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is vowing to appeal a judge’s $6.6 million ruling in favor of four whistleblowers who accused him of retaliation after reporting alleged misconduct.
At a Glance
- A Democrat judge awarded $6.6 million to four whistleblowers fired by Paxton
- The staffers had reported Paxton to the FBI over alleged bribery tied to real estate developer Nate Paul
- Paxton was acquitted in a Senate impeachment trial and not charged by the DOJ
- The judge ruled Paxton’s office violated the Texas Whistleblower Act
- Paxton denounced the decision as politically motivated and plans to appeal
Another Partisan Attack on a Conservative AG
A Travis County judge has ruled that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office must pay $6.6 million to four former top staffers who claim they were illegally fired after reporting him to federal authorities. The ruling by Judge Catherine Mauzy comes after a long and politically charged saga that included Paxton’s impeachment by the Texas House and eventual acquittal by the state Senate.
Watch coverage of the courtroom fallout.
The staffers—once among Paxton’s senior advisors—alleged that Paxton used his office to benefit Austin developer Nate Paul, a donor who was later federally indicted. Though Paxton denied wrongdoing and the Department of Justice declined to pursue charges, the civil lawsuit moved forward under Texas’ Whistleblower Act. Mauzy ruled that the Office of the Attorney General retaliated against the employees for “good faith reporting” of potential legal violations.
Impeachment Failed, So Let’s Try the Wallet
The legal battle stems from events in 2020 when Paxton attempted to settle the whistleblower claims for $3.3 million. That proposed payout stalled when Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan opposed using public funds to settle the case, instead launching an investigation that led to Paxton’s impeachment in 2023. The Senate later acquitted him of all charges.
Now, Judge Mauzy has awarded damages ranging from $1.1 million to $2.1 million per plaintiff, covering lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees. The court also left the door open for additional attorney’s fees should the plaintiffs prevail during appeals.
According to The Epoch Times, Mauzy ruled: “The Office of the Attorney General violated the Texas Whistleblower Act by firing and otherwise retaliating against the plaintiff for in good faith reporting violations of law by Ken Paxton.”
Paxton’s Response: “Bogus” and “Ridiculous”
In a scathing response, Paxton denounced the ruling as politically driven, blaming the House’s actions under Phelan for dragging the case out. He pledged a full appeal, labeling the judgment “ridiculous” and “not based on the facts or the law,” as quoted by The Texas Tribune.
“We will appeal this bogus ruling as we continue to clean up Dade Phelan’s mess,” Paxton said. He also accused his opponents of weaponizing the legal system to undermine his leadership after failing to remove him via impeachment or prosecution.
The Real Cost: Texas Taxpayers
If the ruling stands, Texas taxpayers could be on the hook for the $6.6 million payout, not to mention any future legal costs. Critics of the decision argue that the funds would be better spent on border security, public safety, or tax relief.
Paxton has positioned himself as a champion of conservative causes, from challenging federal immigration policy to filing lawsuits over election practices. The timing of the court’s decision has fueled speculation among supporters that this is part of a broader effort to derail his political influence.
As the appeals process moves forward, the case will remain a flashpoint in the ongoing political clash between Texas Republicans and their critics—one with real financial consequences for the public.
