Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton revealed Thursday that she is seeking a divorce “on biblical grounds” from her husband, Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is campaigning for the US Senate.
Ken Paxton has been dogged by rumors of infidelity over recent years, which became a key focus during his impeachment in 2023 that garnered national attention.
The Texas AG framed his divorce as the result of “pressures of countless political attacks,” but his soon-to-be ex-wife made clear she doesn’t believe it’s God’s will for her to remain wedded to the alleged adulterer. The aspiring senator has denied cheating on his wife.
“Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds,” the Republican state senator announced on X. “I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation.
“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,” she added.
“I move forward with complete confidence that God is always working everything together.”
Ken Paxton said that he and his wife have “decided to start a new chapter in our lives.
“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,” he said.
“I ask for your prayers and privacy at this time.”
Back in 2023, Ken Paxton was thrust into the national spotlight after being impeached over accusations that he gave favorable treatment to a political donor and helped an alleged mistress, Laura Olson.
Specifically, Ken Paxton was accused of instructing his team to meddle in a lawsuit from Mitte Foundation charity against his donor, Nate Paul, claiming he mismanaged their investment.
Whistleblowers had come forward against Ken Paxton and also alleged he “benefited from Nate Paul’s employment of a woman with whom Paxton was having an extramarital affair.”
One witness had testified before the Texas state legislature that Ken Paxton admitted to having an affair with Olson, who was “deemed unavailable to testify” during his trial, and that the tryst impacted office morale.
Ultimately, Ken Paxton narrowly escaped impeachment and was acquitted by the Texas state Senate in a 16-14 vote.
Federal prosecutors at the Justice Department looked into the ordeal and declined to press charges.
Throughout all this, Angela Paxton has stood by him. She participated in the trial as part of her role as a state senator but was barred from voting on whether to acquit or convict him.
He has served as Texas’ AG since 2015.
Back in April, he announced plans to challenge incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a longstanding political rival.
Polling generally has Paxton up, with a 14.6 percentage point advantage in the latest RealClearPolitics aggregate of polls.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has opted to stay neutral in the bruising primary battle, noting that he is friends with both men.
The Texas AG has a history of throwing red meat at the base, firing off over 50 lawsuits against the Biden administration.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Senate’s official campaign arm, has been supportive of Cornyn and quickly seized on the messy Paxton divorce.
“What Ken Paxton has put his family through is 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,” NRSC communications director Joanna Rodriguez said in a statement.
