Paul Pressler is one of those former Democrats who became a Republican to support Ronald Reagan. He only became more conservative over time. He was the leader of the conservative takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention and a key supporter of several Republican presidential candidates. He was an elector for Sen. John McCain.
He was able to strategize for a minority to take over the SBC and has, according to Anne Nelson, author of Shadow Network, advised Republicans on how to establish permanent minority rule in the United States.
He has been accused by several men of raping them when they were minors. In 2017, a man came forward suing Judge Pressler, claiming he was raped by Pressler when he was just fourteen and the sexual assaults continued for decades. As often happens, once one person comes forward, others find the courage to come forward as well. According to court records, he settled with another accuser in 2004. He was successful in getting the suit dismissed because of the statute of limitations, but his accuser appealed and won in the Texas Supreme Court in April, 2022.
- Houston Chronicle: Houston man’s lawsuit alleges retired judge sexually assaulted him.
- Houston Chronicle: More men accuse former judge, Baptist leader of sexual misconduct
- Baptist News General: Abuse case against Pressler may proceed Texas Supreme Court rules
13 Dec 2017