Overview

• The Justice Department decided in the final weeks of the Biden administration not to pursue corruption charges against Ken Paxton, ending a years-long federal investigation.
• Paxton, a close ally of Donald Trump, has framed the DOJ's decision as vindication and has used it to criticize Senator Cornyn as insufficiently supportive of conservative values.
• Nate Paul, the donor linked to allegations against Paxton, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to federal charges of making false statements to banks.
• Paxton has hinted at a 2026 Senate primary challenge against Cornyn, with polling showing him as a favored candidate among conservative voters in Texas.
• Whistleblowers who initially reported Paxton to the FBI continue to stand by their allegations, despite the DOJ's decision not to prosecute.