Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s political future may be clouded by personal turmoil, as his wife, State Senator Angela Paxton, filed for divorce this week citing “biblical grounds” and “recent discoveries.” The high-profile split comes as Ken Paxton gears up for a heated 2026 Senate primary challenge against incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn.
Angela Paxton, who had long stood by her husband through multiple legal scandals and an impeachment trial, announced the divorce in a statement on X (formerly Twitter):
“Today, 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. 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.”
She added, “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 timing of the divorce — unfolding in the middle of a closely watched Republican primary — has prompted speculation about whether the personal scandal could derail Paxton’s momentum.
How Will the Divorce Affect the Race?
Recent polls showed Paxton with a solid lead over Cornyn among Republican voters. A May survey from Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center had Paxton up by 9 points in a two-person race. Similarly, a Senate Leadership Fund poll conducted from April 27 to May 1 had him leading Cornyn 56% to 40%.
In multi-candidate scenarios, Paxton still held the advantage, though his margin narrowed when a third GOP challenger like Dave Hunt entered the mix.
However, Paxton appears more vulnerable in potential matchups with Democrats. A TSU poll showed Democratic Rep. Colin Allred leading Paxton 52% to 37%, while Cornyn maintained a 6-point edge over Allred. Rep. Jasmine Crockett has been floated as another possible Democratic contender, though she has not officially declared a run, and no major polls have tested her against Paxton or Cornyn yet.
Political analysts note that while Paxton remains a favorite in the GOP primary, the divorce could shake voter confidence — particularly among religious conservatives and suburban voters.
“Unless Cornyn secures a major endorsement, like one from Trump, Paxton is still the frontrunner,” said Rice University’s Mark Jones, co-author of the TSU poll. “But the divorce changes the dynamic. It could cut into his support and give Cornyn or a Democrat an opening.”
