Gov. Abbott Appoints a New Interim Attorney General, Again

Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday afternoon appointed Angela Colmenero as the new Interim Attorney General, effective July 14. 

Colmenero will replace John Scott, the former Secretary of State and Fort Worth lawyer, who was appointed to replace Ken Paxton in May. Paxton is suspended from his duties as attorney general pending the outcome of his impeachment trial in the state Senate. 

“John Scott faithfully executed his duties as the interim Attorney General of Texas, and I thank him for his leadership in stepping up to serve his fellow Texans in this role,” Abbott said in a statement. 

The reasons for Scott’s departure from the attorney general’s office are unclear at this moment. 

Colmenero has previously held many positions at the attorney general’s office. She was most recently named Abbott’s deputy chief of staff. 

“Today, under authorities granted by the Texas Constitution, I appoint Angela Colmenero to serve as interim Attorney General of Texas. In addition to her time in the Office of the Governor, Angela served under me in the Texas Attorney General’s Office and has firsthand experience on how the agency operates,” Abbott said in a statement. “Angela’s record of experience in state government and expertise in litigation will help her oversee the Texas Attorney General’s Office and serve as our state’s top law enforcement officer as the Texas Senate conducts impeachment proceedings.”

Paxton was impeached by the House late May and was immediately suspended from his duties as the Attorney General. Paxton is accused of bribery, abuse of office and obstruction of justice. He denies any misconduct. 

The impeachment trial is due to start on Sept. 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.