The pricey tag of justice—or rather the cost of seeking it has been tallied up in Texas. The Lone Star State forked over more than $5.1 million dollars for the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton, an event that has left taxpayers and politicians alike grappling with the financial aftermath. According to a state audit reported by FOX 7 Austin, the expenditure of the two-week trial is directly borne by the taxpayer's wallet, with the Texas House accounting for more than $4.4 million of the expenses and the Senate expending a comparatively modest $435,087.

In a statement obtained by FOX 7 Austin, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick didn't hesitate to express his view on the cost which he perceives to have been an avoidable burden. "The State Auditor’s report is exactly as expected. Former Speaker Phelan was hiding $4,436,498 in expenditures from taxpayers. He caused taxpayers to lose $5,110,038 in total costs,” Patrick said. He further criticized Phelan for allegedly withholding records, calling the entire affair a "complete waste of money." A significant slice of these costs was wrapped up in contracted professional services accounting for $4,049,122 as detailed in the House's breakdown of spending. On the other hand, Patrick was quick to note the Senate’s more prudent spending.

Across the aisle, former House Speaker Dade Phelan defended the transparency of the impeachment trial’s costs. In a response to Patrick's accusations, Phelan clarified in a statement, "Lt. Governor Patrick’s claim that records were ‘hidden’ is false and misleading. The House’s impeachment expenses were well-documented and subject to the same reporting standards as any other legislative function.” This sentiment was echoed in information reported by KXAN which highlighted the early December 2023 disclosure of the costs.

While politicians spar over the fiscal footprint of the trial that ultimately did not lead to Paxton's conviction, the exhaustive effort highlighted the deep industry of high-stakes political legal maneuvering. Notably, well-known attorneys like Rusty Hardin and Tony Buzbee were employed on opposing sides. Yet amidst the drama, the real-world impact of the impeachment trial is to resonate with the voters – least of all those in Phelan's district, where he survived a close electoral scare to keep his seat. It proves a costly chapter, both financially and politically, as taxpayers and political figures alike are left to reckon with the significant expenses of the trial.