Ken Paxton's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr. is an American politician and lawyer, currently serving as the attorney general of Texas since 2015. A Republican, he formerly served in the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives. Paxton has faced legal troubles, including securities fraud indictments and an impeachment trial centered on accusations of bribery and abuse of office, ultimately resulting in his acquittal.

Sections (5)

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

November 4, 2002: Won Election to Texas House in District 70

On November 4, 2002, Ken Paxton won the election to the Texas House in District 70, receiving 28,012 votes against Fred Lusk and Robert Worthington.

2004: Re-elected to Texas House

In 2004, Ken Paxton won re-election against Democrat Martin Woodward in the Texas House, capturing 76% of the vote.

2006: Re-elected to Texas House

In 2006, Ken Paxton won re-election to the Texas House, defeating Rick Koster and Robert Virasin.

2010: Re-elected to Texas House Unopposed

In 2010, Ken Paxton ran unopposed for re-election to the Texas House.

2012: Won election to Texas Senate

After winning the 2012 election, Ken Paxton replaced Florence Shapiro in the Texas Senate.

May 27, 2014: Won Runoff Election for Attorney General

On May 27, 2014, Ken Paxton won the runoff election against Dan Branch to become the Republican nominee for Texas Attorney General, receiving 465,395 votes (63.63%).

November 4, 2014: Defeated Sam Houston in general election

On November 4, 2014, Ken Paxton defeated his Democratic opponent, Sam Houston, in the general election to become the Attorney General of Texas.

December 2016: Paxton Intervenes in School Scripture Dispute

In December 2016, Ken Paxton gained attention after intervening in a dispute in Killeen, Texas, in which 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 Over Handgun Carry

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 Austin must allow such carry and pay a fine to the state for preventing investigators from the attorney general's office from carrying their firearms.

2016: Volkswagen settles lawsuit brought by 44 states

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

2017: Defended Texas in Gerrymandering Lawsuit

In 2017, Ken Paxton defended Texas in a federal lawsuit involving allegations that Texas's congressional districts were gerrymandered, eventually winning on appeal at the Supreme Court.

November 6, 2018: Won Re-election as Attorney General

On November 6, 2018, Ken Paxton won a second term as attorney general, narrowly defeating Justin Nelson and Michael Ray Harris.

November 8, 2022: Won Third Term as Attorney General

On November 8, 2022, Ken Paxton won the Attorney General of Texas office for the third time.

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 by the Texas Senate

In September 2023, the Texas Senate voted 16–14 to acquit Ken 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. The acquittal cleared the path for Paxton to resume his duties as attorney general.