In a dramatic year for Texas politics, Ken Paxton—the state’s embattled Attorney General—finds himself at the center of multiple headlines. From a high-profile divorce to a heated U.S. Senate race and ongoing legal controversies, Paxton’s story keeps evolving.
Angela Paxton Files for Divorce
On July 10, 2025, State Senator Angela Paxton announced she had filed for divorce from her husband, Ken Paxton, ending their 38-year marriage. In a public statement, Angela Paxton cited “recent discoveries” and said she was acting “on biblical grounds,” expressing that reconciliation was no longer possible and that remaining in the marriage would not honor God or serve her family’s best interests.
This news comes after years of public scrutiny over Ken Paxton’s personal and political life, including allegations of an extramarital affair that surfaced during his 2023 impeachment proceedings.
Senate Run and Political Ambitions
Instead of seeking a fourth term as Attorney General, Ken Paxton is now running for the U.S. Senate in 2026, challenging incumbent Republican John Cornyn. His decision opens the door for a crowded Republican primary for Attorney General, with several state senators and former officials already expressing interest in the race. Paxton’s campaign is expected to be contentious, as he remains a polarizing figure within Texas GOP circles.
Legal Victories and Ongoing Controversies
Despite personal and political turmoil, Paxton continues to make headlines in his official capacity. In June 2025, he secured a unanimous win at the U.S. Supreme Court, upholding a Texas law requiring age verification for pornography sites and ensuring that convicted child sexual abusers cannot exploit federal courts to overturn state convictions. Paxton called this “a great win for Texas and the rest of America,” emphasizing his tough-on-crime stance.
However, his tenure has been clouded by legal troubles. In 2015, Paxton was indicted on state securities fraud charges, but those charges were dismissed in 2025 after he fulfilled a pretrial agreement. He was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 on allegations of corruption, bribery, and abuse of office, but acquitted by the Senate later that year. In April 2025, a judge awarded $6.6 million to four former aides who claimed they were wrongfully fired after reporting Paxton’s alleged misconduct.
Election Law and Legislative Setbacks
Paxton recently sought more authority to prosecute election crimes, but the Texas Legislature failed to pass a bill granting his office expanded powers. This legislative defeat follows a court ruling that limited the Attorney General’s ability to independently prosecute such cases, a setback for Paxton’s aggressive approach to election oversight.
Looking Ahead
As Ken Paxton campaigns for the U.S. Senate, he faces challenges on multiple fronts: a public divorce, persistent legal scrutiny, and a divided Republican Party. Whether his political resilience will carry him to Washington remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Paxton’s name will stay in the headlines for some time.