Embark on Texas

attentive Attorney General General

Ken Paxton’s long-delayed trial on 2015 securities fraud charges will take place in Houston, a court ruled Wednesday, giving the Republican another setback pending a separate impeachment trial.

However, it remains unclear when Paxton could finally have his day in court on felony charges of defrauding investors in a tech startup.

For now, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals upheld a decision by a judge who originally oversaw the case to move proceedings from Paxton’s hometown near Dallas. Paxton has fought for years to have the trial held in Collin County, where he maintains widespread support among GOP activists and his wife, Angela Paxton, is a state senator.

The Texas Supreme Court’s ruling comes as Paxton faces removal from office following his historic impeachment by the state House in May. A trial in the Texas Senate will begin no later than August.

GOP-controlled Texas House votes to impeach Republican Atty. General Ken Paxton

A Paxton lawyer did not respond to an email asking for comment on the decision.

Brian Wice, a special prosecutor appointed in the securities fraud case after Paxton was indicted, welcomed the ruling.

We were pleased but not surprised that the court recognized that this defendant must stand trial before a Harris County jury and a judge who will follow the law, he said in a statement.

The case is one of 20 articles of impeachment filed by the Texas House of Representatives against the state’s top attorney. Other impeachment allegations surround Paxton’s relationship with Nate Paul, an Austin real estate developer indicted on charges of making false statements to banks to obtain more than $170 million in loans.

If convicted of the securities fraud charges, Paxton could face up to 99 years in prison.