Paxton Advocates for FBI Assistance in Texas Quorum Fight

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) indicated on Wednesday that the FBI appears willing to become involved in the ongoing dispute over legislative quorum issues, despite previously resisting such interventions.

“I fully support employing all available methods to ensure a quorum and to hold accountable any Democrats who abandon their responsibilities, including involving the FBI,” Paxton stated in a comment to Hill.

This statement followed his recent appearance on Steve Bannon’s “Warroom” podcast, where he criticized Senator John Cornyn’s (R-Texas) suggestion to enlist the FBI to assist in bringing Texas Democrats back to the legislature after they fled, thereby blocking the Republican agenda regarding the new congressional map.

Paxton remarked, “First of all, this is really a state issue.” When Bannon inquired about his position, he reiterated that federal involvement should be considered.

“I really don’t see what the FBI has to contribute here; it’s strictly a state matter, so we’re looking at state-level alternatives,” he added.

One of those alternatives he mentioned involves pursuing arrests of lawmakers. He suggested that if legislators don’t return when Congress reconvenes on Friday, “we may seek to remove some of these lawmakers from office.”

When Bannon probed further about the logistics of such arrests, particularly concerning Texas Democrats who might have relocated to Illinois, Paxton responded, “Steve, I can clarify that in just a few days. I can’t disclose specifics now; it’s part of our ongoing strategy.”

This shift in Paxton’s stance comes amid growing tensions as he and Cornyn gear up for the upcoming Senate race.

Cornyn, who has recently outperformed Paxton in polls, encouraged FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday to assist in the reintegration of the absent Democrats.

“The FBI possesses resources that can aid state law enforcement, especially when legislative duties cross state lines. We have concerns that lawmakers who accept funds to elude their legislative responsibilities may be involved in bribery or other public corruption,” Cornyn said.

Later that day, former President Trump suggested that FBI involvement might become necessary, stating, “I know that both the Attorney General and the governor want these lawmakers to return. The demand for their return is strong.”

Paxton also announced on Tuesday that he is seeking a judicial order, emphasizing, “Texans deserve lawmakers present in the legislature, not individuals evading their responsibilities for personal gain. If you don’t show up, you should expect consequences.”

However, Governor Abbott is already moving forward with efforts to expel lawmakers, having filed an emergency petition with the Texas Supreme Court to remove Democratic leader Jean EU from office.

Paxton is vying for Cornyn’s position in what has escalated into an ongoing rivalry.

Senior adviser to the Cornyn campaign, Matt McCowiak, criticized Paxton’s initial remarks on Bannon’s podcast, claiming, “This undercuts the attempts by President Trump and Senator Cornyn to secure additional law enforcement tools to find these missing Democrats.”

He further commented, “Note to Ken Paxton: there’s an ongoing process in Texas, and we’ll be dealing with it calmly,” implying a need for professionalism.

In response, Paxton labeled Cornyn and his team as “desperate” and lacking transparency.

“Honestly, I’m focused on tackling the issues at hand without needing to resort to these antics from Cornyn’s campaign, which seem pretty transparent and hopeless,” Paxton remarked.