Paxton's Estranged Wife Urges Support for His Senate Bid

State Sen. Angela Paxton, the estranged wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, has publicly encouraged voters to support her husband's campaign for the U.S. Senate. Speaking to the Texas Federation of Republican Women, she emphasized the importance of the party retaining the seat, stating, "it’s not the people, it’s the seat."

"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," she said, according to video posted on Facebook by Cheryl Thompson-Draper, a DeWitt County GOP member and state Republican Executive Committee member.

This marks the first public statement from the state senator regarding the Texas Senate race since she filed for divorce from Ken Paxton in July 2025. In her divorce filing, Angela Paxton cited "biblical grounds," alleging her husband had "committed adultery" and that the marriage had become "insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities."

She further elaborated on her stance in a social media post, writing, "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," she added. "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."

Angela Paxton acknowledged that personal feelings toward a candidate might influence voters but stressed that "when you vote for the person, the party comes along with them."

"The party comes with the person," she continued. "So, when you vote for that person because you like this one better or whatever, you just need to understand, they are not alone, like a standalone thing, like a menu item, you get the whole thing, and we have more control when it’s our party. We have more ability to influence when that person is attached to our party."

The race for the Texas Senate seat is considered a toss-up, according to a recent Fox News poll. Democratic candidate James Talarico held a slight edge over Paxton, leading 51% to 48%.

Paxton secured a victory in a contentious primary, defeating incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. However, he has faced challenges in the general election against Talarico. Paxton has received support from former President Donald Trump, whose MAGA Inc. political action committee has provided financial backing, as well as Elon Musk’s America PAC.

Talarico has faced scrutiny for past statements, including remarks about God being nonbinary and there being six sexes, which he has since walked back, stating they "missed the mark." He has defended his legislative record, asserting he has "brought Democrats and Republicans together to pass 60 bipartisan bills that lower people’s costs and get the economy back on track."