After playing a central role in the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Texas House, Rep. Andrew Murr confirmed that he would not run for reelection in the upcoming term. Citing personal and professional obligations, the Hill Country Republican expressed his commitment to family and ranch work reported the Austin American Statesman.
Having spent a decade representing District 53 in the Texas House, Murr, an attorney, rancher, and grandson of former Gov. Coke Stevenson, chaired the House General Investigating Committee. He played a pivotal role in the impeachment proceedings against Paxton. His decision not to seek another term was influenced by a deep-seated desire to devote more time to his wife and four children according to the Texas Tribune.
“I’ve missed touchdowns, base hits, school field trips and summer field strips and summer fishing trips. I’ve missed birthdays, first steps and first words,” Murr said in a retirement letter to constituents. “I’ve put ranch work on hold, often to its own detriment, and now — quite literally — cows are calling me home.” said Murr. He also emphasized his intention to prioritize his personal life and ranch work, which was often neglected due to his legislative duties as detailed in Texas Tribune.
Murr conducted investigations into complaints against not only Paxton but also former Rep. Bryan Slaton during his tenure in the Texas House. His committee forwarded a sexual misconduct complaint about Slaton, which led to his expulsion by a unanimous vote from the Texas House. For nearly a century, this marked the first time a member was expelled from the state's lower chamber as detailed in the Austin American Statesman.
Concerning Paxton, Murr's committee advanced 20 articles of impeachment, accusing the Attorney General of bribery and office abuse. The Texas House voted to impeach Paxton, who was later acquitted by the Senate in September according to the Austin American Statesman. Paxton has been publicly antagonistic toward those who supported his impeachment, including Murr, and has endorsed their right-wing primary challengers the Texas Tribune reported.
Paxton's actions post-acquittal had no impact on his decision to not run for reelection, Murr assured. He remains firm in his belief that the impeachment vote was justified. According to Murr, Paxton's defense did not argue his innocence but rather centered on problems with the impeachment process and debated whether the Attorney General's actions were serious enough to warrant dismissal. Murr stated he "would never accept that low standard" according to the Austin American Statesman.
Responding to Murr's retirement announcement, Attorney General Paxton voiced on X (formerly Twitter), "One down and many more to go!" as quoted in the Austin American Statesman. Whether further Republicans elect not to run for reelection in the wake of the Paxton impeachment and trial, Murr's role in this significant chapter of Texas politics is firm.
