The State Bar of Texas has declined to dismiss a complaint against Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Last year, 16 lawyers and the non-profit, Lawyers Defending American Democracy, filed a complaint against Paxton for his lawsuit challenging election results in four other states.
Lawyers Defending American Democracy describes its mission as to "galvanize lawyers to defend the rule of law in the face of an unprecedented threat to American democracy. Our work is not political or partisan."
Paxton challenged 2020 election results in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, arguing the four states had changed election procedures without approval of their legislatures. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case.
"Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another State conducts its elections. All other pending motions are dismissed as moot," the Supreme Court wrote in its order.
In their complaint, lawyers accused Paxton of professional misconduct in filing the suit. The complaint says Paxton had no evidence to support a claim of voter fraud in four other states.
With the State Bar of Texas declining to dismiss the complaint, Paxton has 20 days to choose a jury trial in Travis County or an internal hearing before the State Bar.
"Today it was leaked that the Texas State Bar is suing me. I’m not surprised; everyone knows this organization spends all their time and money on anti-conservative causes," Paxton wrote in a statement.
Paxton accused the lawyers of "intentionally" waiting a year and a half after his Supreme Court challenge so the complaint would coincide with his reelection campaign.
"Bottom line: this is just a bid to manipulate elections. But I’m not worried. I take their partisan attacks as a mark that I’m doing the right thing," Paxton wrote.
Paxton faces George P. Bush in the run-off for the Republican nomination for Texas Attorney General May 24. In the primary March 1, Paxton had the most votes but fell short of 50% to win the nomination without a run-off. Paxton had 43% of the vote; Bush was second with 22%.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD