In a shocking development that has sent ripples through Texas politics, State Senator Angela Paxton announced Thursday she has filed for divorce from her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, ending their 38-year marriage.
The McKinney Republican cited “biblical grounds” and “recent discoveries” in her announcement, which comes as Ken Paxton campaigns for the U.S. Senate against incumbent John Cornyn.
The Announcement: “Biblical Grounds” Cited
Angela Paxton took to social media platform X to share her decision with the public Thursday morning.
“Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds,” she wrote. “I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation.”
She continued: “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.”
The state senator concluded her statement with a note of faith: “I move forward with complete confidence that God is always working everything together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.”
Court Filings Reveal Adultery Allegations
According to court documents obtained by multiple news outlets, Angela Paxton’s divorce petition alleges that Ken Paxton “has committed adultery.”
The filing also reveals the couple stopped living together “on or about June 1, 2024” – more than a year before the divorce announcement.
The petition 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’s Response
The Attorney General posted his own statement on X approximately 20 minutes after his wife’s announcement, striking a notably different tone.
“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 Paxton wrote.
He added: “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. I ask for your prayers and privacy at this time.”
A History of Scandal and Allegations
The divorce announcement comes after years of allegations regarding Ken Paxton’s extramarital affairs, which became central to his 2023 impeachment trial.
During those proceedings, House investigators alleged Paxton used his position to benefit a political donor, Nate Paul, and to secure a job for a woman with whom he was allegedly having an affair.
Angela Paxton attended all two weeks of the impeachment trial as a state senator, including a dramatic moment when the woman was called to publicly testify about the affair. The woman ultimately did not take the witness stand.
As a senator, Angela Paxton was barred from voting on her husband’s impeachment verdict. The Texas Senate ultimately acquitted Ken Paxton of all charges.
According to testimony during the trial, Paxton’s former chief of staff revealed that the attorney general had confessed to the affair in 2018 during a meeting with top aides and his wife.
Political Implications for Senate Race
The timing of the divorce could not be more politically significant, as Ken Paxton is currently challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn in what promises to be a bruising 2026 Republican primary.
Paxton has positioned himself as the MAGA-aligned outsider ready to “take a sledgehammer to the D.C. establishment,” while attacking Cornyn as insufficiently conservative.
Early polling has shown Paxton leading Cornyn among likely Republican primary voters, with one survey showing a 25-point advantage for the attorney general.
However, the personal scandal could complicate Paxton’s campaign narrative and provide ammunition for Cornyn’s team.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee wasted no time weighing in, with spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez calling Paxton’s treatment of his family “truly repulsive and disgusting.”
“No one should have to endure what Angela Paxton has, and we pray for her as she chooses to stand up for herself and her family during this difficult time,” Rodriguez said.
The Stakes for Texas Politics
The race between Cornyn and Paxton represents a critical battle between the Texas Republican Party’s establishment wing and its hardline conservative faction.
President Donald Trump’s endorsement is widely seen as the decisive factor that could tip the primary either way. Trump has so far remained neutral, saying he likes both men.
Democrats, meanwhile, see an opportunity in the divisive primary fight. Recent polling suggests Paxton could be more vulnerable in a general election, with some surveys showing him trailing potential Democratic opponents.
Former Congressman Colin Allred and Beto O’Rourke have both been mentioned as potential Democratic candidates who could capitalize on Republican divisions.
Family Details and Assets
The Paxtons have been married since 1986 and have four adult children and five grandchildren. Angela Paxton, a former school counselor, has served in the Texas Senate since 2019.
In her divorce filing, Angela Paxton is seeking “exclusive use and possession” of the couple’s McKinney home, valued at $1.45 million, along with her 2021 Chevrolet Silverado.
She is also asking the court for a “disproportionate share” of the couple’s estate, citing Ken Paxton’s alleged fault in the breakup and disparities in their earning power.
Looking Ahead
Ken Paxton has until August 4 to file a written response to the divorce citation to avoid a default judgment.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the political ramifications will continue to reverberate through Texas politics.
The divorce adds another layer of complexity to what was already shaping up to be one of the most contentious and closely-watched Senate primaries in the nation.
For Angela Paxton, who once performed songs at GOP gatherings celebrating her husband as a “pistol-packin’ mama” whose husband “sues Obama,” this marks a dramatic personal and political turning point.
As both Paxtons navigate this “new chapter,” Texas voters will be watching closely to see how this personal drama affects the future of Republican politics in the Lone Star State.
