What Holland said and now refuses to comment…
In a stunning turn of events, Attorney General Ken Paxton, who faced 20 articles of impeachment recommended by the Texas House of Representatives, has been acquitted on all charges due to a lack of evidence. The high-profile trial, which captured the attention of the entire state, has left many questioning the motives behind the impeachment, and the fallout has cast a long shadow over the Texas House.
Holland’s Vote
Representative Justin Holland, who represents District 33 encompassing the city of Rockwall and Fate, Texas, cast his vote in favor of Paxton’s impeachment. His controversial decision now stands in sharp contrast to the outcome of the trial, sparking accusations that he acted as a RINO (Republican in Name Only). Holland, a 6th-generation Rockwall County resident and a familiar face in Texas politics, had positioned himself as a staunch conservative.
Holland’s vote in favor of Paxton’s impeachment came after he publicly endorsed Speaker Dade Phelan’s re-election, the very individual who appointed the investigative committee tasked with examining Paxton’s actions. In a Facebook post dated May 29, 2023, Holland attempted to justify his vote for Paxton’s impeachment, stating, “These are 20 articles of impeachment recommended on Ken Paxton. I urge you to read them. I have received a lot of feedback, both negative and positive about this issue.”
Holland claims his decision was rooted in his extensive research and belief that there was probable cause and sufficient evidence to justify his vote. He emphasized that his actions were in line with his duty as a representative to uphold the rule of law.
Some of the key findings that led to Holland’s decision included allegations of Paxton’s manipulation of the legal system, bribery accusations, and claims of obstructing justice. While these charges were laid out in detail, some conservatives argue that they may have been part of a politically motivated campaign to tarnish a fellow Republican’s reputation.
Acquitted, No Evidence
The acquittal has given credence to the arguments of Paxton’s supporters, who believed the impeachment was politically motivated and lacked a solid foundation. Attorney General Paxton wasted no time in responding to his acquittal, stating, “The sham impeachment coordinated by the Biden Administration with liberal House Speaker Dade Phelan and his kangaroo court has cost taxpayers millions of dollars, disrupted the work of the Office of Attorney General, and left a dark and permanent stain on the Texas House.”
These strong words underscore the contentious nature of the impeachment proceedings, with Paxton placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of Speaker Dade Phelan and the House for their role in orchestrating the impeachment. But some blame should be shared by all those House members, especially Republicans, who voted in favor of Impeachment.
In the wake of the acquittal, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued a scathing rebuke of the House, with particular emphasis on Speaker Dade Phelan’s leadership. Patrick criticized the House’s handling of the impeachment, saying, “The Speaker (House Speaker Dade Phelan) and his team rammed through the first impeachment of a statewide-elected official in Texas in over 100 years while paying no attention to the precedent.”
Lt. Gov. Patrick also expressed his intention to call for a full audit of how taxpayer money was spent during the impeachment process. He highlighted the contrast between the House and the Senate’s approach, emphasizing that the Senate did not incur significant expenses related to hiring outside lawyers and investigators.
As the dust begins to settle after this divisive chapter in Texas politics, it remains to be seen how the fallout from the Paxton impeachment trial will affect the political landscape in the Lone Star State. Questions about party loyalty, the use of taxpayer funds, and the role of impeachment in state politics will likely continue to be subjects of debate among Texas conservatives for some time to come.
Despite our efforts, Representative Justin Holland did not return our request for comment, leaving some to wonder if his role in representing the people of District 33 in the Texas House of Representatives should now be brought into question.