Texas House expels Rep. Byran Slaton over sexual misconduct claims 

The Texas House of Representatives voted to expel Representative Bryan Slaton on Tuesday over sexual misconduct allegations, marking the first time the state’s chamber has expelled a member since 1927. 

A day before the vote, Slaton, a married father and former pastor, resigned after an investigation found that he allegedly provided alcohol to a 19-year-old aide who worked at his office and then had intercourse with her. 

According to the report by the House’s General Investigating Committee, Slaton gave alcohol to the young woman on at least three separate occasions to other staffers and also tried to intimidate the aide to prevent her from revealing their encounter. 

The committee concluded that the aide “was unable to give effective consent” because she was intoxicated at the time. She claims to have felt “really dizzy” and had “split vision.”

"Expulsion of a member of this body is rare," House Speaker Dade Phelan said. "Mr. Slaton's predatory behavior merits such a consequence. I am proud of my colleagues for holding each of us accountable."

Slaton, a Republican representing the Dallas suburb of Royse City, entered the Texas House in 2021, replacing Representative Dan Flynn. He became known after he filed legislation to ban drag shows and for criticizing trans rights. 

The expulsion marks the first time that a House representative gets expelled by vote since 1927, when two members, F.A. Dale, and H.H. Moore, were ousted over a bribery scandal. 

To expel a member, the House requires a vote from two-thirds of its members. On this occasion, the House voted 147-0 to expel Slaton.

"No one in this chamber disagrees that this conduct was wrong," said Rep. Andrew Murr, who chairs the investigating committee. "We all agree it will not and cannot be tolerated."