The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that whistleblowers involved in a lawsuit against Attorney General Ken Paxton will not be allowed to question him under oath. The decision, issued on Friday, aligns with arguments from Paxton’s legal team, marking a significant development in the high-profile case surrounding the embattled attorney general.
The lawsuit stems from allegations brought by former top aides of Paxton, who accuse him of misconduct, including abuse of office and bribery. These aides filed a whistleblower complaint in 2020, claiming retaliation after they reported Paxton to federal authorities. The allegations include accusations that Paxton improperly aided real estate developer Nate Paul, a political donor. Paxton has denied wrongdoing, calling the accusations politically motivated.
In its ruling, the Texas Supreme Court sided with Paxton, agreeing that the whistleblowers had not sufficiently demonstrated the necessity of deposing him under oath. The court emphasized that Paxton’s legal immunity as an elected official limits certain procedural actions against him.
The whistleblowers have argued that questioning Paxton is crucial to proving their claims, particularly regarding allegations of retaliation and corruption. The court’s decision could complicate their efforts to move forward with the case.
This ruling follows a broader pattern of legal challenges for Paxton, who was recently acquitted in a separate impeachment trial in the Texas Senate. The impeachment case revolved around similar allegations of abuse of office, which were dismissed after a contentious political battle.
The whistleblower lawsuit has also garnered significant attention because of its potential financial implications. The former aides are seeking a settlement reportedly worth millions of dollars, which Paxton’s opponents argue could burden taxpayers.
Critics have accused Paxton of using his position to evade accountability. “This decision highlights how the system can be manipulated to shield powerful officials from scrutiny,” said one of the whistleblowers’ attorneys in response to the ruling. Supporters of Paxton, however, view the decision as a victory against what they perceive as politically motivated attacks.
The whistleblowers’ legal team is now weighing their next steps, including whether to appeal the decision at the federal level. Meanwhile, Paxton continues to face scrutiny as multiple investigations into his conduct remain ongoing.
This case underscores the broader tensions within Texas politics, where legal challenges and allegations of misconduct have frequently collided with fierce partisan divisions. As the whistleblower lawsuit progresses, the ruling ensures Paxton will not have to testify under oath for now, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious legal saga.