Ken Paxton Endorses John Smithee for Re-Election

State Rep. John Smithee/Screenshot via Texas House of Representatives

Attorney General Ken Paxton has thrown his weight behind a longtime Amarillo Republican in his bid for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives.

On Friday, Paxton announced his endorsement of State Rep. John Smithee (R-Amarillo) for re-election in 2024. The endorsement comes after Smithee was an active opponent of the successful effort to impeach Paxton in the Texas House earlier this year. After Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick praised Smithee, quoting Smithee’s statements as to why he opposed impeachment.

Smithee, who has served in the Texas House since 1985, is running for re-election in 2024. Smithee is being opposed in the Republican primary by Canyon realtor Jamie Haynes.

This is Paxton’s second endorsement in the Amarillo area this election cycle. Paxton has also endorsed Caroline Fairly in the Republican primary to replace State Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo) in District 87.

The Republican primary is scheduled for March 5, 2024.