Justice Department Closes Corruption Probe Into Texas AG Ken Paxton Amid Ongoing Legal and Political Challenges

In a quiet but consequential move, the Justice Department decided in the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s administration not to prosecute Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, bringing an end to a long-running federal corruption investigation. This decision, which had not been previously reported, effectively closed a case that stemmed from allegations by Paxton’s own aides that he abused his office to benefit a political donor. The probe, which had been taken over by the department’s public integrity section in Washington, was dropped despite earlier indications from federal investigators in Texas that there was enough evidence for an indictment, as first reported by AP News.

The Justice Department’s public integrity section in Washington had taken over the case in 2023, removing it from federal prosecutors in Texas who reportedly believed there was sufficient evidence for an indictment. Despite this, career officials within the department ultimately recommended against pursuing charges, citing concerns about securing a conviction.

Key Developments in Paxton’s Legal and Political Timeline:

2015: Securities Fraud Indictment

• Paxton is indicted on felony securities fraud charges, accused of misleading investors in a tech startup. He pleads not guilty, and the case experiences prolonged delays without reaching trial, as reported by AP News.

2020: Whistleblower Allegations

• Several top aides report Paxton to the FBI, alleging he abused his office to benefit real estate developer Nate Paul. These claims include bribery and misuse of office. Subsequently, the aides are dismissed or resign, leading to a whistleblower lawsuit.

February 2023: Whistleblower Lawsuit Settlement

• Paxton agrees to a $3.3 million settlement in the whistleblower lawsuit. This settlement requires legislative approval, drawing significant attention to the allegations.

February 2023: Federal Investigation Oversight Shift

• The U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section in Washington assumes control of the corruption investigation into Paxton, removing it from Texas-based federal prosecutors, as reported by AP News.
  

May 2023: Impeachment Proceedings Initiated

• A Republican-led Texas House committee investigates Paxton, uncovering evidence of alleged misconduct. The committee unanimously recommends impeachment on 20 articles, including bribery and abuse of public trust.
  

May 27, 2023: Impeachment by Texas House

• The Texas House votes to impeach Paxton, resulting in his immediate suspension from office pending a Senate trial.

September 2023: Senate Acquittal

• Following a trial, the Texas Senate acquits Paxton on all impeachment charges, allowing him to resume his duties as Attorney General.​
  

Late 2024: DOJ Declines Prosecution

• In the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s administration, the U.S. Department of Justice decides not to prosecute Paxton on corruption charges, effectively ending the federal investigation. This decision is made without involvement from politically appointed DOJ leadership and is based on doubts about securing a conviction.
  

January 2025: Nate Paul’s Guilty Plea

• Nate Paul, the real estate developer central to Paxton’s alleged misconduct, pleads guilty to making false statements to financial institutions to secure over $170 million in loans, as reported by AP News.
  

February 2025: State Bar Lawsuit Dropped

• The Texas State Bar drops its lawsuit against Paxton, which had accused him of professional misconduct related to his efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election results, as reported by AP News.
  

March 2025: Enforcement of Abortion Laws

• Paxton’s office takes legal action against medical professionals and midwives accused of violating Texas’ stringent abortion laws, reflecting his ongoing commitment to enforcing state statutes, as reported by AP News.

Despite his tumultuous legal history, Paxton remains a powerful force in Texas politics and is reportedly considering a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2026, where he could challenge incumbent Senator John Cornyn.

Throughout the investigation, Paxton’s legal team has consistently maintained that no case existed against him. On Wednesday night, his attorney, Dan Cogdell, told the Associated Press that he had not been officially notified of the Justice Department’s decision, but emphasized, “I never thought they had a case they could make.”

As Paxton weighs a Senate run, his political influence remains evident, even amid the scandals that have marked his tenure. He has dismissed the accusations against him as politically motivated and has continued to align himself with former President Donald Trump, publicly supporting him during his New York trial last year.

Although the federal corruption probe has officially been closed, questions linger about the case’s handling and whether Paxton’s future will be shaped by legal vindication or ongoing controversy.