Texas Senate wraps impeachment trial on GOP Attorney General Paxton, now deliberating decision

The Texas Senate wrapped closing arguments Friday in the chamber's impeachment trial for GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton's and head into the deliberations in the early afternoon.

A decision may be reached as early as 8 p.m., according to the judge. 

“This is a political trial,” Paxton's attorney Tony Buzbee said during closing arguments. “I would suggest to you it’s a political witch hunt.”

Paxton faces 16 articles of impeachment that allege he used his power and office to help donor-investor Nate Paul work through legal difficulties. He has also been accused of accepting bribes in the form of renovations to his home and a job for a woman with whom he was having an extramarital affair.

The GOP-led House has already voted to impeach Paxton, who has denied the allegations, with the matter now in the GOP-led Senate. 

Paxton also allegedly retaliated against whistleblowers and spent government money to try to cover up his wrongdoing with a sham investigation into their claims. He has denied all the allegations.

One of the House Impeachment managers, as well as a Republican state Rep. Andrew Murr, railed against Paxton during closing arguments. 

“His lawyers have come in here and tried to normalize his behavior,” Murr said. “They want you to believe there was nothing wrong with Mr. Paxton ignoring his senior staff’s repeated warnings about Nate Paul.”

The verdict will be decided by 30 senators, majority of them being Republican.