Ken Paxton's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 13, 2025

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

Ken Paxton is an American politician and lawyer serving as the Attorney General of Texas since 2015. A Republican, he previously served in the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives. He has faced legal challenges, including indictments and impeachment proceedings, related to alleged securities fraud, abuse of office, and bribery. Despite these controversies, he has remained a prominent figure in Texas politics, known for his conservative stances and legal battles against the federal government.

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, Paxton won the election for the Texas House in District 70.

2004: Won Re-election to Texas House

In 2004, Paxton won re-election against Democrat Martin Woodward to the Texas House.

2006: Won Re-election to Texas House

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

2010: Ran Unopposed for Re-election

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

2012: Won Election to Texas Senate

In 2012, Paxton won election to the Texas Senate, replacing Florence Shapiro.

May 27, 2014: Won Runoff Election for Attorney General

On May 27, 2014, Paxton won the runoff election against Dan Branch for the Republican nomination for Texas Attorney General.

November 4, 2014: Won General Election for Attorney General

On November 4, 2014, Paxton defeated Sam Houston, winning the general election to become Attorney General.

2014: First elected attorney general

In 2014, Paxton was first elected attorney general of Texas, rising to power as an ally of the Tea Party movement.

June 2016: Federal Judge grants preliminary injunction against the 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".

2016: Volkswagen settles lawsuit brought by 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.

2017: Defended Texas in Gerrymandering Lawsuit

In 2017, Paxton defended Texas in a federal lawsuit involving allegations that Texas's congressional districts were gerrymandered, and the state ultimately won on appeal at the Supreme Court.

2017: Federal district court dismisses suit on banning handguns from UT Austin campus

In 2017, the federal district court dismissed the lawsuit that sought to ban concealed handguns from UT Austin campus. Paxton had called the lawsuit "frivolous" and moved to dismiss in 2016.

November 6, 2018: Won Second Term as Attorney General

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

2018: Re-elected Attorney General

In 2018, Paxton was re-elected as the attorney general of Texas.

2018: Dismissal of concealed handgun ban suit upheld by 5th Circuit Court

In 2018, the dismissal of a suit seeking to ban concealed handguns from the University of Texas at Austin campus was upheld by a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

2022: Re-elected Attorney General for a Third Term

In 2022, Paxton was re-elected as the attorney general of Texas, marking his third term in office.

September 2023: Acquitted by Texas Senate

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.