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Texas Gov. Abbott wants a statewide prosecutor, DA impeachment process
Abbott said the plan would let a governor-appointed prosecutor step in on missed indictments and add a new check on district attorneys.
On Thursday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled four public safety initiatives for the 2027 Texas Legislature, including creating a statewide prosecutor role and making county district attorneys eligible for impeachment.
Speaking at the Austin Police Association headquarters, Abbott framed the agenda as a direct response to crime victims who feel the current criminal justice system has failed them, specifically targeting Democratic district attorneys.
Under the plan, the governor would appoint a 'professional prosecutor' subject to Senate confirmation to pursue cases local DAs decline. District attorneys are currently the only elected officials not subject to impeachment.
Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza denounced the proposal as a 'distraction' from the governor's "litany of failures." Garza asserted his office has prioritized victim protection and accountability, not governor politics.
Additionally, Abbott intends to expand the Texas Repeat Offender Taskforce to Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin, and push legislation denying bail for illegal immigrants arrested for felonies during next year's session.