Dan Patrick says he won’t accept donations during trial, after taking heat for pro-Paxton money
The Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses also said they will not fundraise as organizations during the trial, which starts Tuesday. Full Story
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Patrick Svitek
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Patrick Svitek was the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick covered elections, state leaders, the Legislature and political trends across the state from 2015 until 2024. He previously worked for the Houston Chronicle's Austin bureau. Patrick graduated in 2014 from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Past Contributions
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gavels in the Senate on Aug. 10, 2021.]()
Credit: Sophie Park/The Texas Tribune -
For Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial is a legacy-defining test
In the lead up to Tuesday’s trial, Patrick has been under tremendous scrutiny and pressure as Paxton allies and opponents search for signs of which way he may be leaning Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick presides over on the Senate floor during the first day of the second special session at the state Capitol in Austin on June 28, 2023.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
After setback, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick names another judge to help with Ken Paxton impeachment trial
Patrick’s previous appointment — Marc Brown, a former state appeals court judge in Harris County — declined the role after the Tribune inquired about a political donation he made. Full Story
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![Lana Myers.]()
Credit: Social media -
Pressure mounts on Texas senators ahead of Ken Paxton impeachment trial
Senators who will act as jurors in the impeachment trial of the attorney general are being lobbied and targeted by political groups. Full Story
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![The Texas Senate during the last day of the 88th regular session on May 29, 2023.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Averie Bishop, outspoken as Miss Texas 2022, announces run for state Legislature
After criticizing Republican leaders on abortion, guns and race, Bishop will run as a Democrat against Rep. Angie Chen Button in a competitive district in Dallas County. Full Story
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![From left: Former Miss Texas Averie Bishop sings Christmas songs with the aid of Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen J-Belle Kimbrell on Wednesday night at its Grand Opening Fashion Gala at the Westgate Mall in Amarillo on Nov. 10, 2022.]()
Credit: Michael Cuviello/Amarillo Globe-News/USA TODAY NETWORK via REUTERS -
Tony Buzbee, lawyer for Ken Paxton, running for Houston City Council seat
Buzbee is currently defending Texas’ impeached attorney general. He ran for mayor in 2019, challenging incumbent Sylvester Turner while self-funding his campaign with over $10 million. Full Story
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![Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, speaks during a press conference at the Travis County Republican Party suite in Austin on June 7, 2023.]()
Credit: Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribune -
Former judge declines to serve as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s adviser for Ken Paxton impeachment trial
A day after Patrick announced the appointment, Marc Brown declined it, citing a campaign contribution he made to Paxton’s GOP primary opponent in 2021. Full Story
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![Judge Marc Brown listens to attorney Mike DeGeurin during Jessica Tata's pretrial hearings in the 180th state district court Monday Oct. 15,2012.]()
Credit: Dave Rossman for the Houston Chronicle -
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick picks former Houston judge as adviser during Ken Paxton impeachment trial
Patrick, who will preside over the trial, will rely on former state appeals court Judge Marc Brown for advice during the proceedings. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick presides over on the Senate floor during the first day of the second special session at the state Capitol in Austin on June 28, 2023.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Ken Paxton’s team said there was no evidence to support impeachment. The House published nearly 4,000 pages.
The Senate, which is conducting the trial, published the exhibits Thursday night. House impeachment managers say Paxton abused his office to help friend and political donor Nate Paul. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at a news conference at the William P. Clements State Office Building on a pilot program to dispose of medications, especially opioids on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2022 in Austin, TX. Paxton was joined by a group of former athletes and coaches to make the announcement. (Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune)of former athletes and coaches to make the announcement.]()
Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune -
New allegations against Ken Paxton raise stakes for early votes in impeachment trial
Before 30 senators take on their role as impeachment trial jurors, they face a series of momentous decisions on whether to dismiss the charges as requested by the attorney general. Full Story
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![Rep. Andrew Murr delivers the Articles of Impeachment to Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw on May 29, 2023.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune