Ex-Paxton aide testifies Texas AG's alleged affair, claims he changed COVID policy to benefit donor

The impeachment trial of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton entered its second day Wednesday as his former second-in-command continued testifying before the Texas state Senate about Paxton's extramarital affair and his relationship with Austin real estate developer Nate Paul.

The state House voted to impeach Paxton in May for alleged bribery, misuse of official power and other charges, several of which are related to Paul, including how he benefited from Paul's employment of a woman with whom he was having an affair. Paxton, who has said the investigation is politically motivated, was suspended after the House's impeachment vote, in line with the Texas Constitution.

Jeff Mateer, Paxton's former second-in-command, testified Wednesday that the attorney general's relationship with Paul was so concerning that he feared that Paxton was being blackmailed, according to The Texas Tribune.

When he learned that Paxton had resumed an extramarital affair with a woman employed at Paul's company in mid-2020, Mateer said he finally understood why the attorney general engaged in numerous activities on behalf of Paul, who was arrested by the FBI in June. 

Mateer further testified that Paxton halted foreclosures statewide, going against state COVID policy, to prevent Paul from losing his properties, The Hill reported.

State Sen. Angela Paxton, the attorney general's wife, appeared to attentively take notes as Mateer spoke about the affair.

"I concluded that Mr. Paxton was engaged in conduct that was immoral, unethical, and I had the good faith belief that it was illegal," Mateer testified.

More than 100 people have been identified as potential trial witnesses, according to The Associated Press. 

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