Paxton wins Texas AG's race over Houston

AUSTIN – After winning the Republican nomination in March, Ken Paxton barely acknowledged his Democratic opponent – a strategy that resulted in a victory in the race for attorney general.

Despite some controversy over his candidacy, Paxton claimed 1,327,017 votes for 58.3 percent, while his Democratic opponent, Sam Houston, had received 39.2 percent of the vote as of 8:30 p.m.

The AP called the race in favor of Paxton.

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.

Two months later, on July 18, Texans for Public Justice, an Austin watchdog group, filed a criminal complaint with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, seeking a formal investigation into allegations that Paxton committed one or more felonies when he failed to register as an investment adviser representative of Mowery Capital Management.

Although he opted not to empty his war chest after the primary, Paxton held a huge financial advantage throughout the race.

Campaign finance reports show that from Sept. 26 to Oct. 26, Paxton hauled in more than $844,000 in donations and spent less than $214,000, leaving $2 million remaining in his war chest.

Conversely, Houston, at the conclusion of the reporting period, maintained a balance of around $62,000 in reserve funds. In the past 30 days, Houston collected more than $105,000 in donations but spent more than $205,000.

Paxton will replace Greg Abbott, who will be the state's next governor.

Reach David Yates at elections@legalnewsline.com