Attorney General Ken Paxton has expressed his congratulations to Joseph Mazzara, a member of his executive staff, for taking on the role of Acting General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Trump Administration.
"During his time in my office, Joe was a courageous defender of the rule of law, bringing his sharp legal mind and unwavering dedication to protecting our constitutional freedoms," stated Attorney General Paxton. "His service to our nation as both a decorated Marine and a brilliant attorney makes him exceptionally qualified for this vital role in the Trump Administration, and I have no doubt he will continue to fight for the security and sovereignty of our country."
Mr. Mazzara held various positions at the Texas Office of the Attorney General, including Special Counsel to both the Attorney General and the First Assistant Attorney General. He also served as Assistant Solicitor General, where he litigated significant cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Texas Supreme Court. Before joining OAG in September 2022, Mr. Mazzara clerked for several judges: Edith H. Jones, Brantley Starr, and Stephen A. Vaden. In 2020, he was in-house counsel for President Trump's national re-election campaign. Mr. Mazzara is an alumnus of George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School and a decorated combat veteran from his service in the United States Marine Corps.