Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton found himself in the middle of an unexpected confrontation in Austin this week after being asked to step away from the House floor by state officials. The encounter, which played out in the waning days of the legislative session, involved several Republican lawmakers and has set off a heated debate about House rules and political protocol.
According to Breitbart, House officials instructed Paxton to exit the floor because he did not have the required invitation to be present during a session. Although some Republican members had asked Paxton to join them for a photo op, the House Sergeant at Arms intervened and enforced the rule.
The rules of the Texas House of Representatives do not grant the Attorney General, or even former House members, automatic access to the floor during session. House Administration Committee Chairman Charlie Geren confirmed that Paxton was directed to the Members’ Lounge instead, where he later posed for photos with lawmakers away from the public eye.
The incident has exposed divisions within the Texas GOP, with some members frustrated about what they see as overly rigid enforcement of House protocol. Supporters of Paxton argue that the decision to remove him, especially after an invitation from Republican colleagues, was unnecessary and heavy-handed.
Paxton himself expressed surprise at the move, stating he believed his previous service in the Legislature gave him authority to be on the floor. However, House staff clarified that current rules only grant such privileges to those explicitly listed, and the Attorney General is not among them. Critics of Paxton say the rules are clear and were applied fairly, regardless of political affiliation.
On the other hand, some see the episode as another example of the ongoing power struggle within the Texas Republican Party, particularly between House leadership and statewide officials like Paxton. Supporters note that the incident could have been handled with more discretion rather than making a public display in the session’s final days.
Charlie Geren, who chairs the House Administration Committee, was quick to explain the basis for the decision. He shared the relevant portion of the House rules with the press, showing that only a specific list of individuals have automatic access to the floor while the House is in session. The list notably excludes the Attorney General.
Geren clarified to the Quorum Report’s Scott Braddock that Paxton was not banned from the chamber, just the floor itself. The Members’ Lounge, where Paxton was escorted, is a VIP area adjacent to the chamber where officials and guests can meet more privately. The disputed photo op eventually took place there, away from the House proceedings.
Paxton acknowledged the authority of both Geren and House Speaker Dade Phelan to grant or deny permission for non-members to be on the floor. Still, he questioned the necessity of the action, suggesting it was blown out of proportion. As Paxton put it: “They made a big deal out of it. They didn’t need to do that.”
While critics of Paxton say the rules are non-negotiable and applied to all, his allies believe the episode is part of a larger pattern of tension between Paxton and House leadership. The Texas Attorney General has been a polarizing figure in state politics, especially after recent high-profile legal and political battles.
Some conservative activists argue the decision to remove Paxton was politically motivated. They point to what they see as ongoing efforts by certain House leaders to sideline outspoken conservatives. For these supporters, the incident is less about House rules and more about intra-party politics.
Meanwhile, observers outside the Republican Party see the event as a simple matter of enforcing long-standing procedures. They argue that the House has an obligation to maintain order and ensure the rules are respected, regardless of the individual’s position or popularity. For them, the controversy should serve as a reminder that no official is above the rules of the chamber.
Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, found himself asked to leave the House floor during a legislative session after being invited by Republican lawmakers for a photo opportunity.
House officials, citing explicit rules that do not grant floor access to the Attorney General, directed Paxton instead to the Members’ Lounge, where the photo was ultimately taken.
The incident has ignited debate among Texas Republicans about House protocol and the handling of such situations, highlighting deeper divisions within the party. As the legislative session ends, all eyes will be on how House leadership and statewide officials navigate their strained relationships moving forward.
