AG-elect continues to tap Sen. Cruz staff for team members

Attorney General-elect Ken Paxton has bolstered his team with more members once under U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

On Nov. 18, Paxton named his pick for first assistant attorney general, Chip Roy, who served as chief of staff to Sen. Ted Cruz the past two years.

On Wednesday Paxton announced Bernard McNamee II as his chief of staff and Scott Keller as solicitor general. Both men recently served under Cruz.

Prior to joining Paxton, McNamee served as senior domestic policy advisor and counsel to Cruz. Keller served as Cruz’s chief counsel.

“I am proud to announce a highly-qualified and diverse team who will serve in key leadership roles at the Office of the Attorney General,” said Paxton. “These highly-respected professionals and brilliant legal minds bring impressive public and private sector experience. I look forward to working with this team of committed public servants who will continue an already proven track record of promoting and defending conservative principles.”

Other individuals named to Cruz’s attorney general team include:

- Katherine Minter Cary, deputy attorney general for administration;

- Allison Castle, director of communications;

- Jim Davis, deputy attorney general for civil litigation;

- Katie Lawhon, director of scheduling;

- Steve Roddy, deputy chief of staff;

- Charles Smith, deputy for child support; and

- Brantley Starr, deputy attorney general for legal counsel.

In spite of some controversy surrounding the candidate, Paxton walloped his Democratic opponent, attorney Sam Houston, in the general election.

On May 2, the Texas State Securities Board issued a disciplinary order against the attorney from McKinney, finding Paxton solicited investment clients without being registered with the state – a required act under the act.