Texas Sen. Angela Paxton files for divorce from AG Ken Paxton after 38 years, citing adultery and “biblical grounds,” impacting his 2026 U.S. Senate bid.
Angela Paxton Files for Divorce from Husband, Texas AG Ken Paxton, Citing Adultery and “Biblical Grounds”
In a stunning political and personal development, Texas State Senator Angela Paxton filed for divorce from her husband of 38 years, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, citing “biblical grounds” and allegations of adultery. The divorce filing, which took place in Collin County on July 10, 2025, marks a dramatic shift in the public and private lives of one of Texas’s most prominent conservative power couples.
Angela Paxton’s divorce petition reveals deep personal grievances, suggesting the couple had separated around June 1, 2024, and were no longer living together. The filing accuses Ken Paxton of engaging in extramarital affairs, an allegation that had previously surfaced during his 2023 impeachment trial. While he was acquitted, the affair had become a topic of public and political scrutiny.
Grounds for Divorce: Biblical Justification and Adultery Claims
In the divorce filing, Angela Paxton referred to “biblical grounds” and “recent discoveries” that she said made continuing the marriage untenable. She emphasized that she had worked toward reconciliation but ultimately concluded that separating was the only way to honor God and protect her personal and spiritual well-being.
The divorce petition further requests a disproportionate division of their marital estate, exclusive rights to their McKinney residence, and sole possession of her 2021 Chevy Silverado. It also seeks to enforce a premarital agreement the couple reportedly entered into before their 1986 wedding.
Angela Paxton’s decision follows more than a year of political and legal turmoil surrounding her husband. While she did not directly comment on how his controversies affected the marriage, her statement and filing appear to indirectly reference his public scandals.
Political Impact Amid Ken Paxton’s U.S. Senate Bid
The divorce comes at a critical juncture for Ken Paxton, who is actively campaigning to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the upcoming 2026 Republican primary. With recent legal battles—including a dropped securities fraud case and allegations of corruption—still fresh in the public’s memory, the divorce is likely to add another layer of complication to his campaign.
Despite being acquitted in his 2023 impeachment trial by the Texas Senate, which included Angela Paxton as a member, questions had persisted about the affair that prosecutors claimed he tried to cover up. While Angela was barred from voting during the impeachment proceedings due to a conflict of interest, she sat silently through much of the trial—offering no public defense or condemnation.
Her recent filing, however, signals a definitive break.
Ken Paxton Trump Responds: Blames Public Pressure
Ken Paxton acknowledged the divorce in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), attributing the split to “intense political pressure” and the “incredible strain” of living life in the public eye. He praised Angela for her dedication as a wife, mother, and public servant and asked for prayers and privacy as their family navigates this transition.
Political analysts say the divorce may weaken his standing among evangelical and socially conservative voters—key pillars of his support base—especially given the moral implications of adultery and his wife’s invocation of biblical standards.
Angela Paxton’s Career and Role in Texas Politics: Ken Paxton Whistleblower Lawsuit Award
Angela Paxton, who represents Texas Senate District 8, has served in the state legislature since 2019. Known for her conservative views and alignment with her husband’s political agenda, she had taken on a prominent leadership role within the Republican Party and even served as Senate Majority Leader from 2023 to 2025.
In September 2023, the Texas Senate voted 16–14 to acquit Ken Paxton impeachment charges, effectively reinstating him to office after a months-long suspension. Meanwhile, a separate federal investigation into similar allegations, launched earlier that year, concluded without charges as the U.S. Department of Justice declined to pursue prosecution.
Ken Paxton’s former senior aides were awarded $6.6 million (or approximately $6.7 million in some reports) by a Travis County judge in April 2025 after proving, by a preponderance of evidence, that they were unlawfully terminated for reporting alleged corruption to the FBI—a violation of the Texas Whistleblower Act (texastribune.org).ken paxton whistleblower lawsuit award
Before entering politics, Angela worked as a teacher and school counselor and is active in Christian ministry. She and Ken Paxton were founding members of Stonebriar Community Church before moving to Prestonwood Baptist Church in recent years.
Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr. is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the attorney general of Texas since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the Texas Senate representing the eighth district and as a member of the Texas House of Representatives.
Her political future remains uncertain as she navigates this very public and personal transformation.
Legal and Personal Ramifications
Ken Paxton Texas adultery is legally recognized as a fault ground in divorce cases, which could give Angela Paxton greater leverage in property division. The divorce could expose further details of Ken Paxton’s personal life and finances, potentially influencing his political viability as well as public perception.
This case is also emblematic of how personal choices can intersect with public service, especially for those in high office. As the Paxtons move forward with their legal separation, observers will be watching closely to see how it affects both of their careers.
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