Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton has filed for divorce from her husband, Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, citing “biblical grounds.” The announcement — made Thursday, July 10 — comes as the embattled AG challenges Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in a heated GOP primary, and adds fuel to growing concerns within the party over its chances of holding the U.S. Senate after the 2026 midterms.
Statement from Angela Paxton
“Today, after 38 years of marriage. I filed for divorce on biblical grounds. I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation. But in the 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.” Angela Paxton wrote in a post on X.
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She added, “I move forward with complete confidence that God is always working everything together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.”
Court filing reveals reason for divorce
According to court documents obtained by The Texas Tribune, Angela Paxton accuses her husband of adultery, listing it as the legal basis for the divorce. The filing also reportedly reveals that the couple has lived separately for more than a year.
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Three GOP senators have decided to vacate their seats after the 2026 midterms: Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.
Ken Paxton’s response
Hours after his wife’s announcement, Attorney General Paxton issued a statement on social media.
“After facing the pressure of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives,” he said in the statement. “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.”
Political backlash
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) — which backs Cornyn — was quick to respond, criticizing the AG’s alleged behavior.
“What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting,” wrote NRSC Communications Director Joanna Rodriguez 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.”
Not his first controversy
Ken Paxton is no stranger to scandal. In 2023, he survived impeachment over accusations of corruption after being acquitted by the state Senate. During those hearings, his former chief of staff alleged that Paxton had carried on an extramarital affair with a former aide — an affair investigators said ended in 2010 but resumed in 2020.
The woman reportedly came to testify before the state Senate, but never took the stand.
Could it cost him a Trump endorsement?
The divorce filing now threatens to jeopardize Paxton’s chances of receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump ahead of the primary. According to Punchbowl News, Trump spoke about the primary on Wednesday night, July 9, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and leaders from the top Senate Republican super PAC.
Growing GOP anxiety ahead of 2026
The political fallout comes at a time when Senate Republicans are already bracing for major losses in 2026, with several retirements potentially on the horizon.
Among them is Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who has not officially announced whether she’ll seek reelection. Politico reports that three anonymous sources believe Ernst is seriously considering stepping aside.
Asked about her plans, a spokesperson said only: “Senator Ernst is focused on her work delivering for Iowans in the Senate to make Washington ‘squeal,’ making President Trump’s historic tax cuts permanent through the One Big Beautiful Bill, and advancing a strong NDAA.”
Ernst herself recently acknowledged that she’s still weighing a decision.
If she retires, she would become the fourth GOP senator to step down before 2026, joining Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who is making a bid for governor. Democrats see two key pickup opportunities: Maine, where Republican Sen. Susan Collins is facing strong political headwinds after she voted “no” on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and North Carolina, where Tillis’ retirement leaves the seat open in a shifting battleground.
