Just one day after being appointed as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s counsel for the upcoming impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton, Marc Brown has declined the offer following revelations of his long-standing relationships with those pushing the impeachment – including financial support.
Patrick announced his appointment of Brown late Friday afternoon, saying he was “confident [Brown] will further the Senate’s pursuit of a fair and impartial trial.”
Campaign finance records revealed, however, that Brown—who had previously held judicial offices as a Republican in Harris County—had received campaign contributions from House investigators and impeachment prosecutors.
Hours after those reports became public, Brown submitted his declination of Patrick’s appointment. He cited a 2021 donation he gave to former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman in her primary challenge to Paxton.
During meetings with your staff regarding the above position, my political activities and relationships to the participants in this matter were discussed.
Until today I had no recollection of any relevant matters. I now recall in November 2021 my wife and I contributed $250 ot the Eva Guzman campaign. I did not recall that during our meetings with your staff. I have not actively campaigned for any candidate since becoming a District Court Judge in 2010, nor posted personal political views on social media.
Brown added the impeachment proceedings are “far too important to the State of Texas for there to be any distractions involving allegations of favoritism or personal bias on my part.”
Patrick quickly accepted Brown’s declination to serve.
The trial is slated to begin on Tuesday, September 5, and will determine if Paxton is removed from office.
