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U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Thursday he accepts the verdict that the state Senate reached in the impeachment trial of Ken Paxton but noted the attorney general still has pending legal issues.
Cornyn informed Texas reporters that he believed the story was not yet concluded.
In the ongoing saga, Cornyn stands out as a prominent figure, being one of the few state GOP leaders who consistently voiced apprehension regarding the whistleblower claims central to the impeachment. However, following his acquittal earlier this month, Paxton has launched scathing criticisms against Cornyn, fueling speculation about a possible run against him in 2026.
Paxton was cleared of all 16 impeachment articles by the Senate, which revolved around accusations of him using his position to favor his friend and financial supporter, Nate Paul.
Cornyn expressed his belief that despite varying emotions of disappointment or delight among people, this is how our system operates. During a conference call with Texas reporters, he acknowledged the Senate’s verdict and accepted it, mentioning the need to move forward. However, he added that the attorney general might face further legal challenges hindering their ability to move on.
Paxton still faces a long-running securities fraud case that could finally go to trial next year. A federal investigation into the whistleblower claims remains ongoing, and whistleblowers also have a lawsuit pending — one they are hoping to jump start after Paxton’s acquittal.
The verdict ratcheted up a civil war among Texas Republicans, especially after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who served as judge, ended the trial with a speech condemning the House’s impeachment process. While Cornyn had praised Patrick’s performance as judge toward the start of the trial, he declined to offer an opinion Thursday on the lieutenant governor’s speech.
Cornyn acknowledged that he, along with everyone else, is well aware of the dynamic between the House of Representatives and the Texas Senate. He made it clear that he has no intention of interfering in their affairs.
Paxton criticized Cornyn for his stance on illegal immigration during a round of interviews with conservative media outlets following the verdict. He also hinted at the possibility of a primary challenge in the future. Cornyn, on the other hand, did not directly respond to this speculation on Thursday. He had previously dismissed it, citing his busy schedule in the Senate, where he is currently focused on addressing border-related matters.
