Republican attorney general candidate Mayes Middleton says that, if elected, one of his first actions in office will be to investigate former White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci, arguing that a presidential pardon would not shield him from potential state-level scrutiny.
Speaking at a rally in Sherman this week, Middleton referenced former President Joe Biden’s decision during his final days in office to issue Fauci a pardon before suggesting Texas could still pursue its own investigation.
“Well, and who is in the news right now by the way. Dr. Fauci, right?” Middleton said. “I think I know someone running for attorney general that will investigate him for the crimes that I believe he has committed. And to hold him accountable.”
Middleton made the remarks while discussing House Bill 3441, legislation signed into law last year that allows manufacturers to be held liable for advertising vaccines deemed harmful under certain circumstances.
The comments come as Fauci has returned to the national spotlight following the release of diary entries that have revealed him privately embracing the public attention surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic while publicly denying that he had advocated for nationwide shutdowns.
Fauci also appeared before the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday, where he invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 111 times and declined to answer questions from lawmakers.
Texans for Vaccine Choice President Rebecca Hardy praised Middleton’s pledge.
“Once again, Sen. Mayes Middleton is demonstrating why he is the strongest choice for Texas attorney general,” Hardy told Texas Scorecard. “Restoring public trust in our health institutions requires accountability, and accountability begins with investigating those who may have violated the law. TFVC applauds Sen. Middleton’s commitment to pursuing the truth and ensuring that no one is above the law.”
Middleton also told rally attendees that he intends to pursue investigations into other individuals he believes have harmed the state.
“That is why we’re here tonight to defeat the left, and that includes George Soros and his acolytes trying to destroy the state. On day one in office, I will investigate George Soros for the crimes that I believe he has committed against Texas,” Middleton said.
Middleton, a state senator from Galveston, is the Republican nominee for attorney general. He will face Democrat State Sen. Nathan Johnson in the November General Election.
