Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton (R) has filed for divorce from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on “biblical grounds,” ending their nearly four-decade marriage.
“Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds,” she announced on X. “I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation. But in 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. 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.”
In her divorce petition, filed in Collin County on Thursday, Angela Paxton claimed her husband was unfaithful and that they had stopped living together in June 2024, according to KUT News.
“The marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities between Petitioner and Respondent that destroys the legitimate ends of the marriage relationship and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation,” the petition reads.
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Ken Paxton posted about the divorce announcement online on Thursday, claiming that “political attacks” and “public scrutiny” have led to the split with his wife. “After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives,” he wrote on X.
“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.
Ken Paxton was previously accused of having an affair with a donor’s employee during his 2023 impeachment trial, during which he was acquitted of corruption charges. He is currently running against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in the Republican primary for a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Cornyn has fallen behind in recent polling against Paxton for the primary race. In a June poll by a super PAC called the Pulse Decision Science, Paxton surpassed Cornyn with a 19-point lead — 57 to 38 percent. The race is also crucial for Texas Democrats, some of whom have seen it as an opportunity to flip the historically red state.
On Capitol Hill on Thursday, Cornyn declined to provide substantial comment on the Paxtons’ divorce announcement, saying it’s a “private matter,” according to Politico.
“There’s plenty of other reasons that I could comment on in terms of character, but I’ll probably just leave that alone,” he said, adding that he feels “badly” for Angela Paxton.
A spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee condemned Ken Paxton’s actions on X.
“What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting,” NRSC spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez said. “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.”
NRSC has endorsed Cornyn in the Republican primary race.
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Paxton is known for being an ally of President Donald Trump, at one point aiding in the effort to overturn the 2020 election after former President Joe Biden won.
He was also accused of state securities fraud charges, but he settled in 2024, resulting in the charges being dropped.
Angela Paxton, a former teacher, has served as a Republican in the state legislature since 2019. She is also known for her musical performances at her husband’s campaign events, particularly the lyric: “I’m a pistol-packin’ mama, and my husband sues Obama.”
The Paxtons did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.