Texas State Senator Angela Paxton announced on Thursday, July 10, 2025, that she has filed for divorce from her husband, Attorney General Ken Paxton, after 38 years of marriage. The filing, made in Collin County, cites “biblical grounds” and “recent discoveries” as the basis for her decision, marking a significant personal development for one of Texas’s most prominent Republican power couples. Angela Paxton stated on social media that she had “earnestly pursued reconciliation” but no longer believes it “honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage.”
The announcement comes as Ken Paxton is actively campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat, challenging incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 primary. The divorce filing adds another layer of complexity to Paxton’s already tumultuous political career, which has been marked by numerous legal and ethical challenges. In her divorce petition, Angela Paxton reportedly accused her husband of adultery and indicated that the couple ceased living together in June 2024, according to KUT News.
Ken Paxton, in a statement on social media following his wife’s announcement, acknowledged the decision to “start a new chapter in our lives” after facing “the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny.” He expressed pride and gratitude for his family and asked for prayers and privacy during this time, as reported by Fox News.
This personal upheaval follows a period of intense public scrutiny for the Attorney General. In 2023, Ken Paxton was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives on allegations of corruption, which included claims related to an extramarital affair. Although he was later acquitted by the state Senate, testimony during the impeachment trial, including from his former chief of staff Katherine Cary, indicated that he had admitted to the affair, as noted by NBC News. Angela Paxton, herself a State Senator, was present during the impeachment trial but was barred from voting on her husband’s fate.
Beyond the impeachment, Paxton has faced a series of legal battles throughout his tenure as Attorney General. In March 2024, he reached an agreement with prosecutors to avoid trial on felony securities fraud charges, a case that had been pending since 2015. The agreement required him to pay restitution, perform community service, and undergo legal ethics training, with the case officially dismissed on June 18, 2025, as detailed by Wikipedia. Additionally, on April 5, 2025, a Travis County district court awarded $6.6 million to four whistleblowers who had accused Paxton of bribery and abuse of office, further highlighting the ongoing legal challenges he has navigated.
The divorce could have significant implications for Ken Paxton’s political aspirations. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) was quick to issue a critical statement, with communications director Joanna Rodriguez saying, “What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting. No one should have to endure what Senator Paxton has, and we pray for her as she chooses to stand up for herself and her family during this difficult time.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune also commented on the Texas Senate race, emphasizing the need for an “electable candidate that can win not just a primary, but a general,” suggesting potential concerns within the Republican Party about Paxton’s viability.
Angela Paxton, who represents a state Senate district in northern Texas, has been a political figure in her own right, known for her conservative stance and, in earlier years, for performing a song with the lyrics, “I’m a pistol packin’ mama and my husband sues Obama.” Her decision to file for divorce, citing deeply personal and moral reasons, marks a profound shift in the dynamics of a couple who have been intertwined in Texas politics for decades.
As Ken Paxton continues his bid for the U.S. Senate, this personal development is likely to draw further attention and potentially influence voter perceptions in what is already shaping up to be a closely watched primary race.
