Ken Paxton's Estranged Wife Campaigns for Republicans, Omits Husband's Name

State Senator Angela Paxton has appeared in a political advertisement urging Texans to vote for "the Republican ticket" in the upcoming election, a message that has drawn criticism for its omission of her estranged husband, Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Angela Paxton, 63, filed for divorce from Ken Paxton, also 63, in 2025 on "biblical grounds" after reports of an alleged affair. Despite the personal circumstances, the state senator's campaign ad focuses on party unity. "In a general election, it's not as much about the individual players on the team. It's about getting the whole team across the finish line," she stated in the video. "Either we hold every Republican seat, or we hand the future of Texas to the other team... That's why I'm voting for the Republican ticket on November 3. Let's hold the line together."

The advertisement was financed by Texas PAC, a super PAC associated with Senate GOP leadership. This public appeal comes shortly after she delivered a similar message to over 100 board members of the Texas Federation of Republican Women, emphasizing the importance of securing party seats over individual candidates.

"It's not the people - it's the seat," she reportedly told the group. "We have more control over that seat and the future when we control the seat, when it's still in the family - even if we're mad at them."

Critics online have described the ad as "desperate" and "party over country." Ken Paxton's alleged affair with Christian influencer Tracy Duhon, 58, was first reported in September 2025, after they reportedly met at the Kentucky Derby in May 2024. The Texas Attorney General received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump in May of the same year, which insiders suggested was crucial to his campaign.

Ken Paxton has publicly acknowledged the divorce, stating that "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 expressed pride in their family and asked for prayers and privacy.

Angela Paxton's campaign ad appears to support her husband's bid against Democratic nominee James Talarico, a current Texas state legislator who has been polling slightly ahead of the Republican candidate. The Daily Mail reported that Ken Paxton and Duhon have moved into a $2.1 million mansion in Frisco, Texas, purchased in February 2026.