Ken Paxton Blasts Comptroller Kelly Hancock, Urges Removal

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) is accusing Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock (R) of jeopardizing the legal defense of a major education program, escalating tensions within the Texas government.

In a formal letter, Paxton notified Chief Clerk Kelly Hancock that his actions have "destroyed" the Office of the Attorney General's ability to represent the Comptroller's office in ongoing legal challenges tied to the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program.

"Never before have I witnessed such a fundamentally unserious person be both an unbelievable embarrassment to the State and put his own interests above Texans," said Paxton.

The attorney general argued that Hancock's actions, particularly a recent letter, introduced new information not previously included in sworn court filings and made what Paxton described as false accusations about the OAG's work. He also claimed Hancock withheld key information necessary to defend the cases.

According to Paxton, the breakdown has effectively ended the attorney-client relationship between the OAG and the Comptroller's office in these cases, forcing his office to withdraw from representing that office while continuing to defend other parties involved in TEFA-related litigation.

Paxton also renewed his call for Gov. Greg Abbott to appoint former state Sen. Don Huffines as Texas Comptroller, arguing that new leadership is needed.

"It's unclear what exactly caused such rogue, reckless actions... but the State of Texas and every Texas child deserves better," Paxton expressed.

The dispute also spilled into broader policy issues.

Paxton pushed back on Hancock's claims regarding enforcement of SB 17 and actions against groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations, asserting that his office has already taken legal action in both areas.

Paxton further criticized Hancock for what he described as a lack of awareness of ongoing litigation and enforcement efforts, calling it "a truly shocking admission."

This letter comes after a social media post from Paxton earlier in the week, where he referred to Hancock as a "Never Trumper" and "incompetent loser," calling for him to be fired.

"To protect Texans' tax dollars, I am officially calling for Governor Abbott to immediately replace him with the person Texans actually voted for to be Comptroller, Don Huffines," wrote Paxton.

The escalating conflict highlights deep divisions within Texas state leadership, with implications for ongoing legal battles over school choice and broader questions about coordination between key state offices.