The state's two top Republican leaders on Monday broke their silence on Paxton's indictment, both urging against a rush to judgment as the state's top lawyer faces court.

"Everyone is entitled to due process under the law. As a former judge, I recognize this is the first step in a lengthy process and will respect that process as it moves forward," Abbott said hours after the indictment was made public in Collin County, in his first remarks on the case.

In a separate statement almost as brief as Abbott's, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick echoed the sentiment.

"It is important to recognize that an indictment is not a conviction. Under our Constitution, every person is innocent until proven guilty," Patrick said. "I am confident our judicial system will weigh all the facts and applicable law with a blind eye for justice and Ken Paxton, like anyone else, will be afforded his day in court."