December 10, 2014 12:58 PM

Paxton names Cruz staffers to top jobs in Attorney General's Office

Chief of Staff and Solicitor General are both departing Sen. Cruz’s office to take the reins back here

Attorney General-Elect Ken Paxton on Wednesday named the top staffers who will make up his leadership team in the AG’s office. Two of the top jobs are going to staffers who are departing Sen. Ted Cruz’s office, which should shock exactly zero political observers.

Paxton’s Chief of Staff will be Bernard L. McNamee, who has been Senior Domestic Policy Advisor and Counsel to Cruz. The Solicitor General of Texas will be Scott Keller, who until just recently was Cruz's chief counsel.

Cruz congratulated his now former staffers. “Scott Keller and Bernie McNamee are both tremendous legal talents who will serve Texas well,” Cruz said. “They are dedicated, tireless professionals and while they will be missed in my Senate office, I am very pleased the Great State of Texas is recognizing the outstanding work they have performed by offering them key leadership positions in the Attorney General’s office.”

Deputy Attorney General for Administration will be Katherine “Missy” Minter Cary, and Allison Castle will be his Communications Director.

Here's the full announcement from Paxton.