Ken Paxton's Wife Files for Divorce on 'Biblical Grounds,' Cites 'Recent Discoveries' Behind Decision

Texas State Senator Angela Paxton has filed for divorce from Attorney General Ken Paxton after 38 years of marriage. She cited "biblical grounds" to back her decision.

Paxton announced the decision in a social media post:

"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"

The filing, submitted in Collin County, comes less than two years after revelations during Ken Paxton's 2023 impeachment trial that included accusations of an extramarital affair and abuse of office, as Austin's KUT News points out. Paxton, who was ultimately acquitted by the Texas Senate, was accused of using his position to benefit Austin real estate investor Nate Paul, who allegedly helped secure employment for the woman with whom Paxton was having the alleged affair.

Former aides testified during the trial that the affair disrupted operations at the attorney general's office. Jeff Mateer, Paxton's former deputy, testified that he believed the official was "potentially subject to blackmail." Another former aide, Ryan Bangert, said Paxton "was acting like a man with a gun to his head."

Paxton posted a statement of his own shortly after, saying: "After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives."

"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."

Senator Angela Paxton, a Republican representing North Texas, was barred from voting in her husband's impeachment trial but was present throughout the proceedings. She declined to comment publicly at the time.

Ken Paxton, elected attorney general in 2015, recently announced a bid for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Republican John Cornyn. He has long faced legal and ethical scrutiny, including a now-closed securities fraud case resolved through a pretrial diversion agreement involving community service and restitution.

As for Angela Paxton, she most recently authored Senate Bill 13, which would give school boards and parents a formal process to challenge and remove books in public school libraries. The bill, passed along party lines, defines "harmful materials" and has sparked debate over local control versus censorship.

The Paxtons, who were married for nearly four decades, have four children and five grandchildren.