Texas Taxpayers Fund Millions for Attorney General's Personal Travel Security

2026-10-09 politics

Austin, Friday, 9 October 2026.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton spent $3.3 million in taxpayer funds on security for nearly 1,000 trips, yet only 1 in 6 had documented official state business purposes.

Scrutiny Over Security Expenses

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has incurred $3.3 million in taxpayer-funded security costs across nearly 1,000 trips during his tenure beginning in 2015 [1][2]. Records indicate that only $553,000 of this total expenditure, corresponding to 138 trips, was linked to a documented state business purpose [1][2]. This data implies that approximately 13.8 percent of the trips had a verified official connection, leaving the vast majority of security expenses without a clear public mandate [1]. The average security cost per trip across the tenure calculates to 3300, a figure that draws attention amid ongoing discussions regarding fiscal accountability in state government [1][2].

Discrepancy in Documented Business

Analysis of travel records covering 36 states and 19 countries reveals significant gaps in documentation for the Attorney General’s movements [1]. In 2025 alone, Paxton’s security detail accompanied him on 91 trips, yet only five had a listed business purpose [2]. During his suspension from official business between Summer 2023 and his acquittal in the Texas Senate, Paxton took at least 17 trips to locations including Park City, Utah, and Vail, Colorado [1][2]. State officials have confirmed that no records exist of Paxton or his campaign reimbursing Texas for security costs incurred during non-business travel [1].

Properties and Personal Travel

Travel records show frequent visits to locations where Paxton’s family blind trust owns property, including 24 trips to Utah and 53 trips to Florida [1][2]. Since 2021, the trust has purchased 15 properties valued at approximately $11 million, with security details accompanying Paxton to matching locations such as Maui, Hawaii, and St. George, Utah [1][2]. In February 2026, Paxton secured $1.9 million in mortgages for four condos at the Black Desert Resort in Utah, a location he visited during his 2023 suspension [1]. Critics argue this pattern suggests a misuse of public funds for personal benefit, with Columbia Law School professor Richard Briffault stating there is no reason for taxpayers to pay for things they would not pay for if he had stayed home [1][2].

Election Year Implications

As of October 9, 2026, Paxton is a Republican currently running for the U.S. Senate, facing increased scrutiny over these expenditures during an election cycle [5][6]. An Associated Press report on October 1, 2026, highlighted that Paxton frequently travels out of state while listing little to no activity on his official calendar [1][2]. While Paxton’s office states that security threats stem from his work fighting cartels and violent criminals, the lack of documented business purpose for most trips raises ethical questions [2]. With the November 2026 election approaching, these findings present a significant topic for voter consideration regarding governance and ethical oversight [4].

Sources

Fiscal Oversight State Governance