Oral arguments in Paxton’s state bar ethics case set for September

AUSTIN — Lawyers for Ken Paxton will appear before the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas in September to argue that the embattled Texas attorney general should not be disciplined for his role challenging the 2020 presidential election results.

The court last week set oral arguments for Sept. 13 in the case, which was filed against Paxton by the disciplinary committee of the State Bar of Texas. He is accused of bringing a “dishonest” legal challenge to President Joe Biden’s election wins in four swing states. If he loses, he could face disbarment or a suspension of his law license.

Also last week, another state appeals court reversed the dismissal of a similar case against Paxton’s chief deputy, First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster.

Paige Willey, the Office of the Attorney General’s spokesperson, said the agency will continue to defend Paxton and will appeal the decision made in the Webster case. Paxton, a thirdterm Republican, has previously called the bar complaint a “witch hunt.”

It’s unclear if Paxton will be at the oral arguments in person, as his impeachment trial in the Texas Senate is scheduled to kick off the week before. Paxton, who is accused of corruption and unfitness for office in impeachment articles, has been suspended from his job without pay.

The 8th Court of Appeals in El Paso said the lower court erred when it ruled that the separation of powers meant Webster could not be disciplined by the disciplinary committee for allegedly making “dishonest statements” in challenging Biden’s win.

The attorney general, and his assistants, must conform to conduct rules for all lawyers, Justice Yvonne T. Rodriguez wrote in the court’s unanimous decision.