Texas AG calls for state House Speaker to resign after appearing intoxicated during session

May 25, 2023

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) called for state House Speaker Dade Phelan (R) to resign after he presided over the legislature while he appeared to be intoxicated.

Paxton wants Phelan to resign at the end of the current legislative session after seeing a video of Phelan “in a state of apparent debilitating intoxication.”

“His conduct has negatively impacted the legislative process and constitutes a failure to live up to his duty to the public,” Paxton said in a statement. “Texans were relying on the House to pass critical conservative priorities including protecting the integrity of our elections and preventing Chinese spies from controlling Texas land.”

Additionally, Paxton called for an investigation by the House General Investigating and Ethics Committee for his behavior.

Paxton also said he hopes Phelan gets the help he needs.

Phelan was elected earlier this year to the speaker position in a landslide.