Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday announced his appointment of a temporary state attorney general to replace Ken Paxton, who has been temporarily removed pending the resolution of his Senate trial.
Former Texas Secretary of State John Scott will serve in the post until the upper chamber proceedings conclude, Abbott said.
The state House impeached Paxton last week, asserting that he engaged in bribery and other unlawful conduct. Paxton and his staff have denied the allegations. Two-thirds of the Texas Senate must vote for his ouster. Otherwise, Paxton may return to office at the end of the trial.