Governor Greg Abbott has criticized Attorney General Ken Paxton for rushing a lawsuit challenging Harris County’s immigration legal aid fund, arguing the accelerated timeline likely contributed to Paxton’s defeat at the 15th Court of Appeals.
In a brief filed to the Texas Supreme Court, Abbott’s lawyers noted that the county program has operated for five years without evidence of harm, and that Paxton sought expedited review just weeks before the GOP primary, in which he is in a contentious runoff against Senator John Cornyn.
“Any shortcomings in the lower court’s decision here can easily be attributed to the challenges posed by expedited review,” Abbott’s brief said, while supporting the legal argument that taxpayer funds should not subsidize legal challenges to immigration programs. Abbott’s office emphasized the brief is meant to halt “illegal spending” and ensure taxpayer dollars are properly used, according to spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris.
Paxton has appealed the 15th Court ruling to the Texas Supreme Court. The attorney general has faced criticism from fellow Republicans for his aggressive litigation pace, particularly during his Senate campaign, filing multiple lawsuits against state agencies, counties, and nonprofits. Secretary of State Jane Nelson also condemned Paxton for attempting to close the state’s primary system on extremely short notice, calling it “brazen and misguided.”
This episode reflects the broader tensions between Abbott and Paxton, who have a history of legal clashes dating back to disputes over redistricting and state governance.
