AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton, the spouse of Republican Texas Legal professional Common Ken Paxton, filed for divorce on Thursday, looking for to finish 38 years of marriage as her husband campaigns for the U.S. Senate.
Angela Paxton had caught by her husband by way of a decade of authorized troubles that included state and federal corruption investigations and a 2023 state impeachment trial that publicly uncovered his extramarital affair.
A state securities fraud indictment in opposition to Ken Paxton was just lately dismissed after a 2024 plea deal to pay restitution and full neighborhood service, and the federal justice division dropped a corruption probe earlier this yr. His 2023 impeachment trial ended along with his full acquittal.
A fierce and vocal ally of President Donald Trump, Ken Paxton was first elected state lawyer basic in 2014 and is now campaigning to unseat long-time Sen. John Cornyn within the 2026 Republican major.
Angela Paxton, who stood by her husband throughout the impeachment trial, cited “latest discoveries” in her announcement on social media that she had filed for divorce.
“Right now, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds,” Angela Paxton posted on X. “I consider marriage is a sacred covenant and I’ve earnestly pursued reconciliation. However in mild of latest discoveries, I don’t consider that it honors God or is loving to myself, my youngsters, or Ken to stay within the marriage.
“I transfer ahead with full confidence that God is at all times working every thing collectively for the nice of those that love Him and who’re referred to as in keeping with His function,” she wrote.
Ken Paxton later posted his personal assertion asking for prayers and privateness.
”After dealing with the pressures of numerous political assaults and public scrutiny, Angela and I’ve determined to start out a brand new chapter in our lives,” Ken Paxton posted on X. “I couldn’t be any extra proud or grateful for the unimaginable household that God has blessed us with, and I stay dedicated to supporting our superb youngsters and grandchildren.”
Angela and Ken Paxton had been central figures in one another’s rise in Texas politics. A former highschool trainer and steering counselor, Angela Paxton used to play guitar and sing, “I am a pistol-packin’ mama, and my husband sues Obama,” at his marketing campaign occasions and Republican golf equipment throughout the state.
When it got here time for Angela Paxton to launch her personal political profession, a $2 million mortgage from her husband propelled her to a slim victory for a state Senate seat within the booming Dallas suburbs. As soon as elected, she filed payments to increase his workplace’s powers, and accredited budgets over his state company and wage.
As a state senator, Angela Paxton attended all two weeks of the impeachment trial proceedings and testimony, together with one dramatic second when a lady was referred to as to publicly testify about an affair she had with Ken Paxton. The girl in the end by no means took the witness stand, however her relationship with Ken Paxton was central to a case that accused him of going to probably felony lengths to assist an area actual property developer who was beneath FBI investigation on the time.
Angela Paxton was not allowed to vote on the decision that in the end acquitted her husband of all expenses.
