Details of Ken Paxton’s Divorce Unsealed Amid Heated Senate Race
In McKinney, Texas, court documents revealing the divorce proceedings between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his wife, State Senator Angela Paxton, were made public by judicial order. The disclosure follows Angela Paxton’s filing for divorce on “biblical grounds” several months ago, citing her husband’s alleged adultery without further elaboration. Ken Paxton has officially denied these allegations.
This development emerges as Ken Paxton, a Republican U.S. Senate candidate, seeks to challenge Senator John Cornyn in a highly competitive primary set for March 3. The release of these documents, agreed upon by the Paxtons and several media organizations, is seen as a transparency victory. “It’s a victory, I think, for the American public and for the Texas voters,” stated Tyler Bexley, attorney for the media outlets.
The couple’s separation comes after 38 years of marriage, during which Angela Paxton supported her husband through numerous legal challenges, including state and federal investigations. Ken Paxton’s legal troubles have been extensive, with a state securities fraud indictment dismissed after a plea deal in 2024 and a federal probe dropped earlier this year.
Angela Paxton had previously stood by her husband during an impeachment trial in 2023, which ended in Ken Paxton’s acquittal. The trial had publicly unveiled an extramarital affair. Despite these controversies, Ken Paxton remains a formidable candidate, having won re-election in 2022 by a significant margin.
As Ken Paxton campaigns to replace Cornyn, his candidacy has drawn criticism from within his party. Some Republicans express concern that his controversial public profile could complicate the general election, necessitating heavy investment to secure the seat. On the Democratic front, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico are competing in their primary.
Senator Cornyn’s supporters have invested over $21 million in advertising to bolster his campaign and counter Paxton’s challenge, according to AdImpact. The National Republican Senatorial Committee’s spokesperson, Joanna Rodriguez, commented, “What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting.” She extended support for Angela Paxton during this challenging period.
Ken Paxton’s alliance with former President Donald Trump remains a focal point in the race. While Trump has yet to endorse a candidate, his previous support could prove pivotal, considering his strong performance in Texas during the 2024 election.
Judge Robert Brotherton authorized the release of the court records after media outlets and the nonprofit Campaign for Accountability pushed for transparency. Ken Paxton initially opposed the unsealing of the documents, but the decision was eventually upheld, allowing the public access to information pertinent to the electoral process.
For more updates on Ken Paxton, visit the AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/ken-paxton.
