Chief Justice Tom Phillips administered the oath of office to John Cornyn, who was sworn in as 49 th Attorney General, before family, friends and other dignitaries in a ceremony in the House Chamber of the State Capitol. Welcoming remarks were made by former Attorney General John Hill and Congressman Henry Bonilla. He promised to make honor and integrity the foundation of his administration and pledged to build an agency that is lean, open and effective. The Attorney General pledged to use the powers of his office to help build strong families in Texas.
Strong families are the basis of a strong Texas.
Mr. Cornyn will give particular attention to the needs of small communities and rural areas. The Attorney General pledged to build an elite team of professional prosecutors who will stand ready to assist in capital cases, shutting down gangs and ending drug money laundering operations. Cornyn also said it is time to end outside interference in Texas affairs. Cornyn promised to go after those who prey on the most vulnerable Texas solely for their own gain, such as polluters, scam artists and HMOs who put profits ahead of patients.