Ken Paxton's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ken Paxton.

Ken Paxton is an American politician and lawyer currently serving as the Attorney General of Texas since 2015. A Republican, he previously served in the Texas Senate and House of Representatives. His tenure as Attorney General has been marked by legal controversies and accusations, including securities fraud charges and an impeachment trial in the Texas Senate.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

June 2016: Federal Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction Against "Persuader Rule"

In June 2016, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction against the Department of Labor's "persuader rule". Paxton called the injunction "a victory for the preservation of the sanctity of attorney-client confidentiality".

December 2016: Paxton Intervenes in Dispute Over Christian Scripture Poster

In December 2016, Ken Paxton intervened in a dispute in Killeen, Texas, where a middle school principal told a nurse's aide to take down a six-foot poster in the school containing a quote from Christian scripture. Paxton sided with the aide, who won in court.

2016: Paxton Sues Austin to Allow Open Carry of Handguns

In 2016, Ken Paxton sued the City of Austin to allow license holders to openly carry handguns in Austin City Hall. Paxton prevailed, and the court ruled that the city of Austin must allow such carry and ordered it to pay a fine to the state for each day it prevented investigators from the attorney general's office from carrying their firearms.

2016: Volkswagen Settles Lawsuit with 44 States

In 2016, Volkswagen settled a lawsuit brought by 44 states against the company for using software that allowed its vehicles to circumvent emissions limits. Texas's share of the settlement was $50 million.

March 2017: Civil Securities Fraud Case Dismissed

In March 2017, the civil securities fraud case against Paxton was dismissed by Judge Mazzant, ruling that Paxton had "no plausible legal duty" to inform investors. The SEC could not bring new action on the same claim against Paxton.

2017: Defended Texas in gerrymandering lawsuit

In 2017, Paxton defended Texas in a federal lawsuit involving allegations that Texas's congressional districts were gerrymandered. Texas won on appeal when the Supreme Court ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove intentional discrimination.

2022: Charges Against Hervis Rogers Dismissed

In 2022, the charges against Hervis Rogers were dismissed after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that Paxton had no authority to unilaterally charge Texans with election crimes.

September 2023: Acquitted of impeachment charges

In September 2023, the Texas Senate voted to acquit Paxton of all articles of impeachment, ending his suspension from office.

September 16, 2023: Paxton Acquitted in Impeachment Trial

On September 16, 2023, Ken Paxton was acquitted in the Texas Senate of all articles of impeachment, allowing him to resume his duties as attorney general.

April 5, 2025: Whistleblowers Awarded $6.6 Million

On April 5, 2025, Travis County district court judge Catherine Mauzy awarded $6.6 million combined to four whistleblowers in the case against Ken Paxton.

2025: Dismissal of Securities Fraud Charges

In 2025, the state securities fraud charges against Paxton were dismissed upon his fulfilling a pretrial agreement that included restitution to the victims, ethics training, and community service.