Dallas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his wife, state Senator Angela Paxton, have officially dissolved their 38‑year marriage, according to a lawyer for the attorney general. The filing, reported by The New York Times, was confirmed Thursday by Paxton’s attorney, Jared Julian, who said the settlement terms will remain private.
Divorce follows a bruising Senate campaign
The divorce comes less than a week after Paxton, a Republican, was soundly defeated in the November 2026 U.S. Senate race. Democrat James Talarico won by double‑digit margins in what was one of the most expensive midterm contests nationwide, a race that also reflected a broader Democratic surge across the country.
During the campaign, Paxton secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump, a factor that initially raised hopes among GOP strategists. However, the attorney general’s longstanding legal and ethical controversies—including a 2023 impeachment trial that exposed an extramarital affair—proved to be a persistent liability. Critics within the party warned that Paxton could become a drain on Republican resources.
Angela Paxton’s role and the grounds for divorce
Angela Paxton, who has served in the Texas Senate, cited allegations of adultery as the basis for ending the marriage. She filed for divorce after her husband announced his Senate bid, posting on social media that the decision was made on “biblical grounds.” Despite the acrimonious background, Julian observed that the former spouses “share a mutual respect for one another” and are looking forward to “the next chapters of their lives.”
An attorney for Angela Paxton did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Political fallout and next steps
Paxton’s loss marked a turning point for the Texas GOP. After defeating long‑time incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the primary, Paxton’s general‑election performance highlighted the challenges of overcoming personal scandals in a competitive statewide race. Democrat Nathan Johnson was elected attorney general and will assume office in January, signaling a shift in the state’s top legal office.
In October, shortly before the election, Angela Paxton appeared in a campaign advertisement urging voters to support the Republican ticket, though she did not name her estranged husband. “It’s not as much about the individual players on the team. It’s about getting the whole team across the finish line,” she said.
Local implications
While the divorce is a personal matter, it underscores the broader conversation in Texas about the impact of personal conduct on public service. The Paxton saga has been a focal point for discussions on accountability, ethics, and the role of faith‑based values in politics—issues that resonate with many Texas voters and community leaders.
For residents of Dallas and the wider North Texas region, the conclusion of the Paxton marriage may bring a measure of closure to a story that has dominated state headlines for years. As both parties move forward, the focus shifts to the upcoming term of Attorney General Nathan Johnson and the policy agenda he will pursue.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
