State Senator Angela Paxton has officially filed for divorce from her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The announcement came via a post on social media platform X, where Angela expressed her intention to seek a divorce on biblical grounds. In her message, she stated, "I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation. 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." She concluded her post with a note of faith, asserting that she moves forward with the belief that "God is always working everything together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose."
Shortly after Angela's announcement, Ken Paxton shared his own message on X, acknowledging the couple's decision to embark on a new chapter in their lives. He reflected on the challenges they have faced, stating, "After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives." Ken expressed gratitude for their family, emphasizing his commitment to their children and grandchildren, and requested privacy and prayers during this difficult time.
Angela Paxton, a Republican representing the McKinney area, filed her divorce petition in Collin County on Thursday, as per court records. The petition includes accusations of adultery against her husband and states that the couple has not lived together since June 2024. Angela's petition claims that their marriage has become insupportable due to "discord or conflict of personalities" that undermine the legitimate ends of their marital relationship and prevent any reasonable expectation of reconciliation.
Ken Paxton, who is also a Republican, is currently running for the U.S. Senate seat against John Cornyn. His political career has been marred by multiple allegations of infidelity and corruption, particularly during the impeachment proceedings in 2023, where he was acquitted. During that time, he faced accusations of securing employment for a woman with whom he allegedly had an affair. Despite the allegations, Paxton has never been convicted of a crime. In the previous year, he reached a deal with prosecutors concerning felony securities fraud charges, agreeing to perform community service and pay restitution, which led to the closure of the case this year.
Ken Paxton was first elected attorney general in 2015, following a decade of service in the state Legislature. His wife, Angela Paxton, took office in 2019 and represents a significant portion of North Texas, covering Collin, Hunt, and Rains counties. Prior to her election to the state Senate, Angela was often seen accompanying her husband on the campaign trail, where she showcased her musical talents with a memorable song that included the lyrics, "I'm a pistol packin' mama and my husband sues Obama."
Throughout his tenure, Ken Paxton has established himself as a prominent conservative figure in Texas politics, being a vocal opponent of abortion access and LGBTQ rights, while advocating for increased authority for his office in prosecuting election-related crimes. Angela, a former school counselor, has prioritized education-related issues during her time in the Senate.
The Paxtons, who have been married since 1986, share four adult children and five grandchildren. As Ken Paxton faces scrutiny over his marital issues, it could potentially impact his campaign against Cornyn, who has long been critical of Paxton's alleged misconduct as an elected official. Cornyn's campaign spokesman has opted not to comment on the recent divorce filing, leaving observers to speculate about the potential ramifications for both candidates in the upcoming election.
