Abbott Appoints New Interim Attorney General As Paxton Trial Approaches

With Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton still suspended from office while awaiting his impeachment trial in the Senate, Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed a new interim attorney general—his second since Paxton’s impeachment in May.

Abbott announced his deputy chief of staff Angela Colmenero would take over as interim attorney general as of Friday, July 14. His current interim replacement, former Secretary of State John Scott, will be leaving the position after seven weeks.

Scott, a Fort Worth-based attorney, had come under scrutiny in recent days after it was revealed that he had agreed earlier this year to represent scandal-plagued La Joya ISD in their challenge against a takeover by the Texas Education Agency.

“John Scott faithfully executed his duties as the interim Attorney General of Texas, and I thank him for his leadership in stepping up to serve his fellow Texans in this role,” said Abbott. “Today, under authorities granted by the Texas Constitution, I appoint Angela Colmenero to serve as interim Attorney General of Texas. In addition to her time in the Office of the Governor, Angela served under me in the Texas Attorney General’s Office and has firsthand experience on how the agency operates. Angela’s record of experience in state government and expertise in litigation will help her oversee the Texas Attorney General’s Office and serve as our state’s top law enforcement officer as the Texas Senate conducts impeachment proceedings.”

Paxton was impeached by the House at the end of May on 20 disputed charges of misapplication of public resources, bribery, obstruction of justice, abuse of public trust, and disregard of official duties.

Under the rules of impeachment, the governor may appoint an interim replacement for the impeached officeholder during the Senate’s trial, which is scheduled to begin on September 5. Until the conclusion of the trial, Paxton remains temporarily suspended from office.

Brandon Waltens

Brandon serves as the Senior Editor for Texas Scorecard. After managing successful campaigns for top conservative legislators and serving as a Chief of Staff in the Texas Capitol, Brandon moved outside the dome in order to shine a spotlight on conservative victories and establishment corruption in Austin. @bwaltens