Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is seeking a U.S. Senate seat, has drawn criticism for taking a trip to Europe with his mistress while his Democratic rival campaigns at home. The Republican candidate, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is facing a surprisingly close contest in the general election.
Paxton, 63, was reportedly seen sightseeing in London with Christian influencer Tracy Duhon, 58, earlier this week. The pair had previously been filmed traveling to Iceland the weekend before. The Daily Mail first reported on the affair between Paxton and Duhon in September, stating they became romantically involved in May 2024 after meeting at the Kentucky Derby, at a time when both were married. Duhon has since divorced her husband and purchased a home in a Dallas suburb, which Paxton has listed as his official address. Paxton remains married to his wife, Angela, with whom he has four grown children.
In footage obtained by the Daily Mail, Paxton and Duhon were seen walking near the London Eye, with Paxton appearing to notice he was being filmed and then walking ahead of Duhon. The two were reportedly dressed for a special occasion, with Paxton in a suit and Duhon in an emerald gown.
Paxton's campaign did not respond to requests for comment regarding the trip. Some within the Republican party have expressed concern that Paxton's personal conduct could jeopardize his Senate bid. "Any other politician would be out campaigning over Fourth of July. He thinks he can do whatever he wants because of the President's endorsement," a political fundraiser told the Daily Mail anonymously.
Trump endorsed Paxton in May, calling him an "America First Patriot" who has been "extremely loyal." Paxton, in turn, publicly supported Trump during his New York hush money trial. The attorney general won the GOP primary in a landslide with Trump's backing.
However, recent polls indicate a tight race with Democratic challenger James Talarico, a former teacher and member of the Texas House of Representatives. A New York Times/Siena poll showed both candidates at 47 percent. The potential for a Democratic statewide victory in Texas, a state that has not elected a Democrat to statewide office in 40 years, would be a significant political development.
Jim Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas, commented that "every news cycle, or partial news cycle in which people are paying attention to (Paxton's affair) rather than some positive message about Paxton, or likely some negative message about his opponent is a bad day." He added that Republican elites and stakeholders may see Paxton's conduct as making the race more difficult than it needs to be.
In contrast to Paxton's reported European vacation, Talarico spent Independence Day in Austin meeting voters and posing for photos with Willie Nelson. Republicans in Texas acknowledge that significant financial investment will be required to support Paxton's campaign. The Republican Party plans to host its midterm convention in Dallas in September to focus on retaining the Senate seat.