Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday picked a longtime ally who oversaw Texas' elections in 2022 to temporarily serve as attorney general following Republican Ken Paxton's historic impeachment on allegations of misconduct and crimes.
John Scott, who stepped down as Texas Secretary of State last year, takes over as the state's top lawyer on an interim basis while Paxton awaits a trial in the state Senate that could result in his permanent removal. The trial is set to begin no later than Aug. 28.
Paxton was impeached last weekend by the Texas House of Representatives, triggering his immediate suspension from office.
Abbott has kept silent about Paxton in the week since House Republicans began impeachment proceedings. The governor announced Scott's appointment in a statement that did not mention Paxton or comment on the accusations against him.
