Overview
- Texas’ 14th Court of Appeals denied George’s last-minute petition to remove District Attorney Brian Middleton, clearing the way for trial to proceed.
- On the first day, about 70 prospective jurors completed questionnaires, with courtroom questioning set for Wednesday and the state’s first witnesses expected Thursday.
- Prosecutors allege George used campaign funds for a house down payment and property taxes, offenses that carry a potential two to 10 years in prison and removal from office if he is convicted.
- George’s attorneys claim the case is politically motivated and cite disappearing-message communications, arguments prosecutors labeled an eleventh-hour delay tactic that the court rejected.
- The felony case follows a separate 2024 misdemeanor indictment tied to alleged fake racist posts, for which former staffer Taral Patel pleaded guilty and is listed as a potential witness, as George also recently finished last in the Republican primary.