Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton said Thursday she had filed for divorce from her husband, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in a Republican primary.
“Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds,” Angela Paxton said on X. She added that she made her decision “in light of recent discoveries.”
She did not immediately respond to a request for additional details. Ken Paxton’s office and campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.
Ken Paxton said on X shortly after his wife’s announcement that they had “decided to start a new chapter in our lives,” following what he described as “countless political attacks.”
“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. I ask for your prayers and privacy at this time,” he added.
The Paxtons faced scrutiny following a state Senate-led impeachment trial against Ken Paxton in 2023. He faced allegations of corruption and was acquitted, but the trial also touched on allegations of infidelity. His former chief of staff — Katherine Cary — said an alleged affair with another woman caused office tension, according to KUT News radio of Austin.
Ken Paxton did not testify at his impeachment trial. Cary, however, testified that he admitted to the affair, according to The Texas Tribune.
On Thursday, the National Republican Senatorial Committee criticized Ken Paxton, who was first elected state attorney general in 2014 and said in April that he would challenge Cornyn for his Senate seat.
“What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting,” NRSC spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez said on X. “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.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to discuss Senate races.
Thune told NBC News on Thursday that the meeting “covered a whole range of races around the country.” A senior Republican strategist working on Senate races confirmed to NBC News on Tuesday that Texas was slated for discussion.
Asked whether he had a preference in the Texas race, Thune said: “We need an electable candidate that can win not just a primary, but a general, and we believe there’s a path there for Cornyn to win both.”
Cornyn was first elected to the Senate in 2002.
Trump has not publicly endorsed Cornyn in the upcoming election.
Olympia Sonnier and Frank Thorp V contributed.
