Who / What
Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr. is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the attorney general of Texas since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, he has held significant positions in Texas state government.
Background & History
Paxton was born on December 23, 1962. Before becoming attorney general, he served in the Texas Senate representing the eighth district. His political career also includes serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, where he gained experience in state legislative matters before ascending to the state's top legal position.
Why Notable
As Texas Attorney General, Paxton holds considerable influence over legal matters and policy in the second-largest U.S. state. His tenure has been marked by taking high-profile legal positions on behalf of Texas, including on issues like border security, election integrity, and challenging federal regulations. His role places him at the center of many significant legal and political debates affecting Texans.
In the News
Paxton has faced ongoing legal challenges and scrutiny during his time as attorney general, including impeachment proceedings by the Texas State Senate in 2023 related to allegations of misconduct. These developments have kept his position in the public eye and raised questions about the intersection of politics and law enforcement in Texas.
