Texas Sen. Angela Paxton Divorcing AG Ken Paxton

Texas state Senator Angela Paxton has filed for divorce from her husband, Attorney General Ken Paxton, marking the end of a 38-year marriage as the attorney general pursues a United States Senate seat. The separation comes amid long-standing controversies and renewed political ambitions that have drawn national attention.

Senator Angela Paxton, a Republican from McKinney, made her announcement public on Thursday in a brief statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. She cited “biblical grounds” for the divorce and alluded to unspecified “recent discoveries” that led to her decision. While she did not elaborate on the circumstances, her move follows years of public scrutiny surrounding her husband’s conduct, including allegations of infidelity and corruption.

Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has held office since 2014, responded with his statement on social media shortly after. He acknowledged the split, describing it as the start of “a new chapter in our lives,” and emphasized his gratitude for his family. Paxton also characterized the last several years as a time of “countless political attacks,” suggesting that the pressures of public service contributed to the strains within their marriage.

Those pressures reached a peak in 2023 when the Texas Senate held an impeachment trial against Attorney General Paxton. He faced accusations of bribery and abuse of office but was ultimately acquitted. However, testimony during the proceedings included claims by his former Chief of Staff, Katherine Cary, that an extramarital affair had created dysfunction within the attorney general’s office. According to reporting by the Texas Tribune and KUT News, Cary testified under oath that Ken Paxton had admitted to the affair. Paxton himself declined to testify in his defense.

The political fallout from these events has carried over into this year’s campaign season. Attorney General Paxton is mounting a primary challenge against incumbent United States Senator John Cornyn, a Republican first elected in 2002. Some Republican leaders have voiced concerns about Paxton’s electability, especially after the National Republican Senatorial Committee, known as NRSC, issued a sharp rebuke. Spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez stated on X, “What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting,” adding that no spouse should have to endure such circumstances.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, also weighed in after meeting with former President Donald Trump to discuss Senate races. Speaking to NBC News, Thune emphasized the importance of selecting candidates who can win both primary contests and general elections, indirectly signaling reservations about Paxton’s candidacy. While Trump has yet to formally endorse anyone in the race, Cornyn has been viewed by many within the party as a more stable choice.

As this high-profile divorce unfolds, it underscores the complicated intersection of personal conduct and public life, a dynamic that voters in Texas will weigh carefully in the coming months.