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JUNCTION — In late May, state Rep. Andrew Murr, a rank-and-file Republican who has spent his political career dodging the limelight, had a difficult choice to make.
Was he really about to go up against Attorney General Ken Paxton, one of the most powerful officials in the state, a close ally of former President Donald Trump and a member of his own party who had just won reelection by a double-digit margin?
As it turned out, he was.
Murr, serving as the chair of the House General Investigating Committee, would propose that the Republican-led chamber impeach Paxton for allegations relating to bribery and corruption.
Knowing that trying to remove a statewide official after almost a century would create havoc during the remaining days of the legislative session, he understood that it would compel Republican legislators to publicly express their position on Paxton’s supposed wrongdoing and would probably anger his far-right voter base, who support him ardently.
If Paxton was not removed from office, it would endanger Murr’s position within his party, significantly.
But for Murr, the answer was clear. The probe into Paxton that he had overseen in secret for three months had produced overwhelming evidence, he believed, that the attorney general had repeatedly abused his office through a symbiotic relationship with a wealthy friend and donor.
During an interview at his Junction law office, located 120 miles west of the Capitol, Murr expressed that although one may attempt to frame it as a political choice, there comes a moment when one must acknowledge that there is no political aspect involved in determining what is morally just. He emphasized that withholding such information would be unethical, as it would entail tolerating corruption within the highest ranks of the government.
On May 27, the House came to a consensus and voted with an overwhelming majority to impeach Paxton, following a powerful denouncement delivered by Murr, which exposed the attorney general’s wrongdoing. During the Senate trial in September, Murr persisted as the prominent figure representing Republican dissent against Paxton. Among the House managers, he was the sole individual granted the opportunity to deliver speeches both at the commencement and conclusion of the nine-day affair. Murr passionately appealed to the senators, urging them to find Paxton guilty, as he believed the attorney general had betrayed the trust of his fellow Texans.
According to his supporters, Murr achieved something remarkable by prioritizing ethics in the Capitol over partisan affiliations and successfully rallying other Republicans to join him. However, to Paxton allies, he was seen as the leader of a disloyal group of liberal Republicans who aimed to discredit a man solely based on unfounded rumors and hearsay.
Senators, who served as jurors, agreed with the latter camp, acquitting Paxton on 16 charges while dismissing the rest as Murr and the other House managers sat in stunned silence.
Paxton, now filled with confidence and back in his position, seeks vengeance. On Friday, he declared his determination to actively advocate for Republican primary contenders against Murr and other individuals who voted to impeach him. Furthermore, on Monday, Paxton demanded that the House managers face criminal charges for disclosing trial evidence that contained the location of his Austin residence.
Murr’s district is now experiencing the repercussions, which could potentially result in him losing his seat.
Pecos County Republican Party Chair, William Garrison, expressed his belief that Murr has betrayed them, and he hopes he loses the primary in March. Garrison pointed out that Murr accuses Ken Paxton of various actions without presenting any substantial evidence.
Murr, on his end, attributes the acquittal mostly to the trial’s political pressure and the distinctive bond that Paxton had formed with the jury.
“In every other jury … the jurors are not supposed to know the parties involved,” he said of the senators who voted to acquit. “Instead we had a jury that predominantly served with [Paxton], they served with his spouse [Sen. Angela Paxton]; they personally knew him well.”
Despite his intention to seek reelection, Murr remains unapologetic for his involvement in the impeachment and firmly supports his committee’s determination that Paxton is too corrupt to continue holding power.
Murr stated that he does not weigh the importance of doing what is right against the potential impact on his political career. He reiterated a quote from Sam Houston that he had previously shared during the trial, emphasizing the principle of doing what is right despite the potential risks involved.
A rural district
House District 53 comprises a large swath of Central and West Texas, running along Interstate 10 from the Hill Country past the Pecos River to Fort Stockton. It is one of the few truly rural House districts in Texas; its largest city, Kerrville, boasts 24,000 residents. Rocky hills of the Edwards Plateau, unsuitable for farming, give way to desert shrubland. Ranching and hunting dominate life here; the head of a mule deer buck Murr killed hangs above his desk.
Murr, a married individual with four children, has dedicated the majority of his life to this place. Being an eighth-generation Texan, he was raised on his family’s ranch in Kimble County, where he experienced a secluded lifestyle far away from any other individuals.
In 1990, Murr’s father, Hardy, tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue a ranch hand from drowning. At the time, Murr was only 13 years old, and his sister was 9. In order to assist with ranch duties such as transporting feed and performing other necessary tasks, Murr was granted a driver’s license due to the hardships they faced.
Murr revealed that his father’s passing compelled him to go above and beyond by engaging in numerous extracurricular activities. Despite his slender physique, he managed to join the football team as a lineman, took part in track and tennis competitions, and even showcased his acting skills on stage.
After completing his studies in agricultural development at Texas A&M University, he decided to return to his hometown in Mason County. However, he was well aware that the challenging life of a rancher would entail constant financial concerns. As a result, he made the decision to pursue a law degree at Texas Tech University. Following a period of working in corporate law in Dallas, he eventually established his own law practice in Junction, the county seat of Kimble County.
Politics also ran in the family. Murr’s grandfather, Coke Stevenson, held various political positions such as House speaker, lieutenant governor, and governor during the mid-1900s. He is well-known for his closely fought battle against Lyndon Johnson in the 1948 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, which he ultimately lost.
Murr’s family members have held positions as county judges, so it came as no surprise to the residents of Kimble County when Murr assumed the role, despite the unusual circumstances. In 2008, Murr was elected as county attorney; however, prior to taking office, the county judge stepped down, leading the commissioners to appoint Murr to fill the position.
The county judge in small counties such as Kimble takes on the responsibility of overseeing minor crimes, as well as performing executive and legislative duties in governance. Murr emphasized that this role underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable, irrespective of personal connections.
Murr emphasized that even if a constituent has committed a criminal offense and you come across them at the grocery store next week, you should still treat them with equal respect and fairness.
When the representative for House District 53 announced his retirement in 2014, Murr said local Republican elected officials encouraged him to run. He beat two other candidates in the Republican primary, which is tantamount to winning the general election in the deep-red district.
Entering the House in 2015, the same year as now-Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, Murr said he has focused on issues affecting rural Texans. He said this has included lowering property taxes as well as protecting landowners from lawsuits if hunters or laborers get hurt on their property.
According to community leaders, Murr is known for being friendly and consistently honest. He promptly responds to calls, even if he cannot offer assistance with a specific issue.
“The reality of it is, he will tell you how it is,” expressed Mikki Hand, the executive director of Frontera Healthcare, overseeing four clinics within the district. “Although at times it may be disheartening as it may not align with what I hoped for, he simply provides the unfiltered truth.”
According to Sam Hunnicutt, the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, where Murr is a parishioner, he stated that the lawmaker has a keen understanding of the requirements of rural Texans.
Hunnicutt emphasized that ranching is the backbone of these counties, and the hunting industry plays a crucial role in supporting many individuals. He stated that Andy, being a rancher himself, comprehends the needs and concerns of the people as he is actively involved in their way of life.
In addition, it was mentioned that he possesses a distinct and eccentric sense of humor. Many made mention of his “Murrstache,” referring to the impeccably groomed mustache that graces his countenance.
Murr clarified the situation. He started growing his facial hair to commemorate his daughter’s birth in 2020. Initially, he aimed for a complete beard, but due to its uneven growth, he decided to keep only the mustache. From that point on, he has refrained from shaving it and now regularly maintains it through waxing.
The year he debuted the Murrstache at the Capitol, 2021, he also earned his first chairmanship as head of the House Corrections Committee. That session, he authored a bail reform bill that won bipartisan support in the chamber.
Murr has generally proven to be a loyal Republican foot soldier in the House. An analysis of votes in the regular 2023 legislative session placed him near the center of the ideological spectrum of the House GOP. He is, however, among the rural Republicans who have opposed school vouchers in previous years — as he intends to do again during the current special session.
But despite the role he finds himself in, Murr is rarely the instigator of drama or an attention seeker. With just one daily newspaper in his district, he said he seldom grants interviews. Unlike most of his peers, he does not use social media — though his mustache has a fan account on X with more than 550 followers. Murr has largely kept a low profile, even as he rose through the ranks of the House Republican caucus.
Everything was altered by the conventional 2023 legislative session.
A session in the spotlight
Representatives do not consider the House General Investigating Committee as a sought-after assignment.
The thankless duty of the House Ethics Committee is to monitor and uphold ethical standards among fellow House members, which can be challenging considering that effective legislating often relies on building strong relationships with colleagues.
The investigative committee, on paper, has broad powers to investigate state officials and agencies, though historically the House has rarely exercised that authority. The last high-profile assignment the committee took on, at least publicly, was its 2019 probe into then-Speaker Dennis Bonnen.
Murr was chosen by Phelan to lead the committee this year, a choice that Murr interpreted as a testament to the speaker’s trust in his capability to handle confidential matters. Being a lawyer in a small community with a population of 4,400, Murr emphasized the importance of his clients having confidence in his ability to handle their wills, divorces, and criminal cases discreetly, as it contributes to his success.
Murr initially believed that serving on the bipartisan committee would be a mundane task, giving him extra time to focus on his legislative goals. However, unexpectedly, the committee flourished under his guidance and accomplished the most significant tasks of the session. They successfully conducted two major investigations, propelling Murr into the national limelight.
The first was the ousting of Rep. Bryan Slaton, whom the committee investigated based on a complaint. The panel concluded that he abused his position by having sex with a 19-year-old aide after getting her drunk. Speaking on the House floor, Murr said expulsion was a “level of punishment we don’t take lightly,” but was warranted given the severity of the misconduct. The House unanimously expelled Slaton on May 9, the first removal of a member since 1927.
The Capitol would be shaken by the expulsion of a member, but its impact would be overshadowed by the events that would unfold in a matter of weeks.
Although the Paxton investigation had commenced discreetly in March, it would only be disclosed to the public during the last week of May.
In February, Paxton requested the House to cover a $3.3 million settlement he had reached with four former employees. These individuals had claimed they were unjustly terminated after reporting the attorney general to the FBI in 2020. Their lawsuit accused Paxton of engaging in corrupt and bribery activities, which were linked to his association with Austin real estate investor Nate Paul, a close friend of his.
What troubled Murr and other members was that Paxton refused to appear before the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee at the request of Chair Jeff Leach, R-Plano, and answer questions about the settlement. House members wondered, in essence, if Paxton was asking them to participate in a cover-up by paying the settlement, which would have eliminated the need for a public trial with the whistleblowers.
Murr mentioned that due to Paxton’s non-compliance, the investigative committee initiated an inquiry into Paxton, publicly referred to as “Matter A.”
Murr emphasized the importance of maintaining secrecy, stating that ongoing investigations do not publicly disclose their targets. He further pointed out that witnesses were hesitant to speak openly due to concerns about potential retaliation from Paxton, even in confidential settings.
The explosive feud between the House speaker and the attorney general was ignited by Murr’s announcement on May 23, revealing Paxton as the subject of Matter A. Paxton accused Phelan of presiding over the House under the influence of alcohol and urged him to resign.
The following day, the attorney general expressed disapproval towards the committee’s work, attributing its members’ appointment to the “liberal Speaker Dade Phelan.” In contrast, Murr conveyed his deep concern over the allegations against Paxton, stating that it was enough to “curl my mustache.”
According to Murr, Phelan did not ask for the Paxton investigation, nor did he disclose its presence to the speaker. Murr stated that their initial conversation about the matter occurred after the committee’s recommendation for impeachment on May 25.
Murr recalled that he was asked about the process of impeachment and the constitutional requirements. He provided an explanation and received a response of gratitude, “OK, thanks for sharing.”
Phelan, the rarely voting speaker, joined over 70% of Republicans to support the impeachment of Paxton in a House vote of 121-23.
Although Phelan has faced the majority of the right-wing criticism during the impeachment trial, it was Murr who risked his political career by delivering passionate public speeches in order to persuade fellow lawmakers to take necessary action.
During his closing argument at the trial, Murr informed senators that Paxton lacks any respect for the values of honor and integrity. Murr further emphasized that Paxton’s actions have amounted to a betrayal of both us and the people of Texas. Murr warned that if given the chance, Paxton would persist in abusing the authority granted to him.
However, only two out of the 19 Republican senators showed support for conviction on any of the articles. This revealed a significant split within the Republican party and highlighted the influence of Paxton’s ultraconservative faction.
Over the summer, the House impeachment was consistently undermined by the attorney general’s supporters who exerted pressure on senators to acquit. In August, the conservative group Texas Scorecard unveiled a documentary alleging that Democrats effectively manipulate the House through compliant Republicans. They specifically targeted Murr, along with eleven other Republicans, as individuals who should be ousted from their positions.
Paxton’s acquittal emboldened those voices.
After the verdicts, former Republican Rep. Jonathan Stickland, who leads the conservative Defend Texas Liberty PAC, announced on social media platform X that the mission to eliminate RINOs from Texas starts today.
Mixed reactions back home
The response of county Republican Party leaders in District 53 varies.
Paul Zohlen, the chair of the Kerr County party, expressed his disagreement with Murr on certain matters. However, considering the evidence presented by the investigative committee, Zohlen believes that impeachment was the only viable option. Despite this, Zohlen anticipates that Murr will encounter challenges during his reelection campaign next year.
Zohlen expressed his belief that some people have fixed mindsets and will not alter their stance, no matter the information presented to them.
Despite Zohlen’s objection, his party’s executive committee has already put forth a proposal to censure Murr for his involvement in the impeachment process. The Republican parties in Medina and Bandera counties have already followed suit.
“Butch Striegl, the Bandera County chair, emphasized that lawmakers’ salaries are funded by us, the people. He expressed concern that Representative Murr may have overlooked this important fact.”
Wes Virdell, a gun rights lobbyist who was soundly defeated by Murr in the 2022 Republican primary, has submitted his candidacy once again. As a supporter of Paxton, Virdell strongly condemned the impeachment proceedings, likening them to a “witch trial.” He has made a commitment to “replace Murr with a genuine conservative.”
Paxton endorsed Virdell on Friday.
Jerry Bearden, a former judge in Mason County, anticipated a contentious primary battle between Murr and Virdell, both of whom belong to different and diverging factions within the Republican Party. However, Bearden highlighted that beyond the intensely political climate in Austin, where limited attention was given to the impeachment, Murr exhibits a profound comprehension of his constituents’ requirements and has established himself as a cooperative lawmaker.
According to Bearden, the majority of these counties are populated by rural individuals who are simply striving to earn a livelihood. Bearden further states that Andrew Murr can be considered a statesman rather than a politician.
Murr remains undeterred by Paxton’s acquittal and far-right threats to derail his political career. He confidently expressed his readiness to resume work at the Capitol for the upcoming third special session of the year.
Disregarding the criticism of being labeled as a RINO, a term he considers more about allegiance to fellow Republicans rather than ideology, he simply shrugged it off.
Murr expressed his disbelief, stating, “It’s against my principles to remain loyal to an individual who has sworn an oath and is engaging in office abuse, law-breaking, and exploiting the public’s trust. If we continue to tolerate such behavior within our party, how can we expect it to thrive in Texas in the long run?”
Disclosure: Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.