State Senator Angela Paxton has filed for divorce from her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, citing “biblical grounds.” The announcement was made public on the social media platform X, where Angela Paxton expressed her decision to seek a divorce, stating, “I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation.” She further explained, “But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage.”
Ken Paxton also took to X to share his perspective, acknowledging the pressures they faced due to political challenges and public scrutiny. “Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives,” he wrote. “I could not be any more proud or grateful for the incredible family that God has blessed us with, and I remain committed to supporting our amazing children and grandchildren.”
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
According to court records, Angela Paxton filed the divorce petition in Collin County on Thursday. The petition accuses Ken Paxton of adultery and notes that the couple ceased living together in June 2024. It states, “The marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities between Petitioner and Respondent that destroys the legitimate ends of the marriage relationship and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation.”
Ken Paxton, who is currently running for the U.S. Senate against John Cornyn, has faced allegations of infidelity in the past. During impeachment proceedings in 2023, he was accused of securing a job for a woman with whom he allegedly had an affair. Despite these accusations, he was acquitted.
Political and Personal Background
Ken Paxton has been a prominent conservative figure in Texas politics since his election as attorney general in 2015, following a decade in the state Legislature. Known for his staunch opposition to abortion access and LGBTQ rights, Paxton has also sought greater control over prosecuting election-related crimes. His tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption, although he has never been convicted. In a notable case last year, he avoided trial over felony securities fraud charges by agreeing to community service and restitution.
Angela Paxton, who took office as a state senator in 2019, represents a significant portion of North Texas, including Collin, Hunt, and Rains counties. Before her election, she was actively involved in her husband’s campaigns, often showcasing her musical talents with a song that included the lyrics, “I’m a pistol packin’ mama and my husband sues Obama.” As a former school counselor, her legislative focus has been on education issues.
Impact on the Upcoming Senate Race
The Paxtons have been married since 1986 and share four adult children and five grandchildren. The divorce proceedings could have implications for Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign against John Cornyn. Cornyn, Texas’s senior senator, has been a vocal critic of Paxton’s alleged misconduct. Although Cornyn’s campaign declined to comment on the divorce, the situation may influence the political landscape.
As the divorce unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will affect both Paxton’s political career and personal life. The couple’s decision to part ways after nearly four decades of marriage marks a significant chapter in their lives, one that will likely resonate both personally and politically in the months to come.
“I ask for your prayers and privacy at this time,” Ken Paxton concluded in his social media post, highlighting the personal nature of the situation amidst the public scrutiny.
This development follows a series of challenges and controversies that have defined Ken Paxton’s career, and the divorce may add another layer of complexity to his already tumultuous political journey. As the story progresses, it will be crucial to monitor the impact on his Senate campaign and the broader implications for Texas politics.
