“Ken Paxton Cleared of Federal Investigation: What This Means for His Political Future”

In a recent development, Attorney General Ken Paxton has been cleared of the federal criminal probe into allegations of corruption by the Justice Department, as reported by The Associated Press. This decision effectively ends the investigation, marking a significant victory for Paxton as he prepares for a potential 2026 primary run against U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.

The conclusion of the investigation comes as a relief to Paxton, who has faced a series of legal battles throughout his career. The decision not to prosecute by the Justice Department under the Biden administration is seen as a political and personal win for Paxton, highlighting his resilience in the face of adversity.

Paxton’s attorney, Dan Cogdell, expressed that the lack of prosecution was not surprising, as he believed there was never a case against Paxton to begin with. The close alliance between Paxton and former President Trump also played a role in the expectation that the case would not continue under the Trump administration.

This latest development adds to a string of legal victories for Paxton, including the dismissal of felony securities fraud charges and his acquittal on impeachment charges by the Texas Senate. The only remaining legal battle for Paxton is a whistleblower lawsuit filed by former senior aides, which is awaiting a ruling by a Travis County district judge on a settlement.

The conclusion of the federal investigation has already sparked political jabs between Paxton and Cornyn, with Paxton referencing the decision to criticize Cornyn’s stance on the matter. The potential matchup between the two in the 2026 primary could prove to be Cornyn’s toughest challenge yet, as Paxton’s approval rating among Republican-identifying voters surpasses that of Cornyn.

Despite the legal hurdles he has faced, Paxton’s reputation as a political survivor and fighter among the right wing of his party has been solidified. As he gears up for a possible Senate run, Paxton’s victory in the federal investigation serves as a significant boost to his political ambitions.

In response to the news, Cornyn declined to comment on Paxton or the Justice Department’s decision, stating that he would reserve his comments until Paxton officially announces his candidacy. Meanwhile, Cruz also declined to comment on the matter.

Overall, the conclusion of the federal investigation marks a turning point for Paxton’s political future, setting the stage for a potentially contentious primary battle with Cornyn as both candidates vie for the support of Texas Republican voters.