Texas State Senator Angela Paxton has filed for divorce from her husband of nearly 40 years, Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to court records from Collin County. The news was confirmed by Angela Paxton in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), where she said the decision was made on “biblical grounds.”
“I believe marriage is a sacred covenant, and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation,” she wrote. “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.”
While her message did not detail the reason for the split, online speculation quickly turned to Attorney General Paxton’s alleged extramarital affair with Laura Olson — an issue that came to light during his 2023 impeachment proceedings.
The Alleged Affair With Laura Olson
Olson, a former staffer for State Senator Donna Campbell, was reportedly involved with Ken Paxton as far back as 2018. Katherine “Missy” Cary, Paxton’s former chief of staff, testified that she first became suspicious after overhearing Olson speak about Paxton “in a very personal way” at an Austin restaurant.
Paxton initially claimed Olson was his realtor but later admitted to the affair, according to Cary. The relationship reportedly became intertwined with corruption allegations, as Olson was allegedly hired by Austin real estate investor Nate Paul — a Paxton donor — during the time she was said to be involved with the attorney general.
Olson, who has been divorced four times and is a mother of two, never testified in Paxton’s impeachment trial despite being subpoenaed. Reports have also linked her to former San Antonio City Councilman Clayton Perry.
Ken Paxton Responds
In his own statement, Ken Paxton acknowledged the separation while asking for privacy:
“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 wrote. “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.”
