Four whistleblowers in Texas were awarded a total of $6.6 million after being fired for reporting Attorney General Ken Paxton to the FBI. This decision was made by Travis County Judge Catherine Mauzy who found that the employees were retaliated against for reporting allegations of Paxton accepting bribes. The employees were found to have acted in good faith and the attorney general’s office did not dispute the claims or damages in the lawsuit. In response, Paxton called the ruling “ridiculous” and intends to appeal.
Paxton had been under federal investigation for bribery allegations in 2020 but settled with four whistleblowers for $3.3 million and an apology in 2023. After an impeachment trial in the Texas Senate, Paxton was acquitted. The US Justice Department decided not to pursue the investigation into Paxton. With the shadow of the federal investigation lifted, Paxton is now considering a US Senate run, potentially challenging John Cornyn.
Despite these developments, the Texas Supreme Court overturned a ruling that Paxton testify in the lawsuit. The decision to not pursue the federal investigation has allowed Paxton to focus on a future political career. Paxton, a key supporter of former President Donald Trump, has been eyeing a Senate run for some time and his decision could have significant implications for Texas politics.
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