Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has appointed new legal counsel for himself in the upcoming impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton. This comes after Patrick’s previous choice declined the offer, following revelations of his long-standing relationships with those pushing the impeachment.
On Monday, Patrick—who will preside over the Senate’s trial—appointed Justice Lana Myers to the position. Myers previously served as a Justice on the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals from 2009-2022.
“Today, pursuant to the Rules of Impeachment adopted by the members of the Senate, I am pleased to appoint Justice Lana Myers to assist me during the upcoming impeachment trial which starts on September 5. Justice Myers is an extremely well-qualified candidate with courtroom experience as an attorney and a judge,” said Patrick.
Patrick’s previous choice, Justice Marc Brown, declined the role just one day after his announcement earlier this month after campaign finance records revealed he had received campaign contributions from House investigators and impeachment prosecutors. Additionally, he had contributed to former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman in her 2022 primary challenge to Paxton.
The trial is slated to begin on Tuesday, September 5, and will determine if Paxton is removed from office.
