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Watch: Civil Rights Attorney Lee Merritt Officially Launches Campaign Against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

He has represented several families of Black people killed by police.

Dallas-based civil rights attorney Lee Merritt has officially launched his campaign for Attorney General of the state.  He will run against current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

The lawyer, who has represented the families of Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, and others, said in a July 13 statement, "Texas Republicans have launched an all-out assault on voter rights and civil liberties. This campaign is a response from the people of Texas. We are fighting for an executive branch in Texas that serves the needs of all its citizens and not just the elite. It's our turn."

In the campaign ad, Merritt calls out Paxton for voter suppression, siding with former President Donald Trump to overturn election results and downplaying the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. 

Watch below:

RELATED: Future 40: Meet Civil Rights Attorney Lee Merritt

In March, Merritt said via Twitter he would run against Paxton but today marks the official launch of his campaign. 

Merritt is nationally known for becoming an advocate for people killed during interactions with police. He has represented the families of Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, and others.

As of February, the FBI was investigating Paxton for bribery, abuse of office and other alleged crimes during his time as Texas AG. He has denied any wrongdoing.

 

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