Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing a significant personal issue as his wife, State Senator Angela Paxton, has formally filed for divorce after 38 years of marriage.
Angela Paxton's divorce petition was filed while Ken Paxton is actively running for the U.S. Senate and is in a primary race against incumbent Republican John Cornyn in 2026.
Angela Paxton filed for divorce in Collin County, Texas with reference to "biblical grounds" and alleging new "information" including allegations of adultery. In the court petition she has alleged they have been separated since June 2024.
Angela Paxton publicly stated that her decision was "carefully made" based on her Christian principles and after numerous attempts to repair the marriage were unsuccessful.
Ken Paxton's public statement refers to this topic and asks for privacy and prayers adding "Today, it is important to note that the political pressure is intense and constant attacks on my family are taking their toll."
The divorce raises a serious personal issue for Ken Paxton in an already heated Senate race and this is likely to be prominent as the campaign continues.
Is this where we are at in the Social Media world where we now announce our divorce on a platform like this? What has happened to society?
— Chris from Massachusetts AKA TommyboyTrader (@autumnsdad1) July 10, 2025
Attorney General Ken Paxton, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, has now confirmed that his wife, Senator Angela Paxton, has filed for divorce. pic.twitter.com/5SWdLhNZ7c
Divorce Announcement Draws Political Reaction During Heated Senate Campaign
The announcement of the Paxtons' divorce has triggered intense reaction within Texas political circles. While Ken Paxton prepares for a Republican primary against Senator John Cornyn, the news brings a personal controversy to an already politically charged race.
Cornyn, a favorite of the Republican establishment, now enjoys some additional support as party leaders respond to the most recent news of Paxton's divorce.
Paxton has already navigated a 2023 impeachment trial and concluded a multi-year securities fraud case just last June. Despite this, Paxton receives harsh rebuke from within his own party for attempting to malign Senator Cornyn.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee issued a public response condemning Paxton, calling his behavior "repulsive and disgusting," and sympathizing with Angela Paxton. The NRSC offered Cornyn their total support.
Political experts say Paxton's divorce may impact him in multiple ways. He likely retains the support of his core constituency, but new information about Paxton could influence undecided voters and current or potential supporters and donors to Cornyn.
With both candidates gearing up for a competitive Republican primary, Paxton's personal life has become public to Texas voters, and how he reacts to the divorce will likely dictate his primary challenge.
