Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Sen. Angela Paxton are ending their decades-long marriage, a decision that comes amid personal and political upheaval.

According to The Christian Post, Angela Paxton filed for divorce Thursday, citing “biblical grounds” and recent personal revelations, while her husband remains in the public spotlight as he pursues a U.S. Senate bid.

Angela Paxton, who has served as a state senator since 2019, publicly announced the decision on July 10 via her official X account. She said the decision came after 38 years of marriage and was rooted in faith, personal reflection, and recent developments in their private life.

“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.”

She added that she is moving forward with trust in God’s purpose, referencing Scripture to convey her belief in divine guidance for those who love Him.

Ken Paxton responds to wife’s announcement

Ken Paxton issued a statement on the same day through his official X account. He acknowledged the decision, describing it as a “new chapter” that they will face together, while attributing the strain on their marriage to intense scrutiny and political pressure.

“Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives,” Paxton wrote. He pointed to “countless political attacks and public scrutiny” as contributing factors behind their decision to separate.

In his message, Paxton did not go into detail about what those pressures entailed but expressed gratitude for their shared family and asked the public for privacy and prayers during the transitional moment.

Legal filing includes an adultery allegation

The National News Desk reported that the divorce petition accuses Ken Paxton of adultery. The filing states that the relationship had become “insupportable” due to persistent “discord or conflict of personalities.”

This language, often used in Texas divorce proceedings, was cited as a barrier to any “reasonable expectation of reconciliation” between the spouses. The mention of adultery introduces a personal element to what had been a largely politically public marriage.

Angela and Ken Paxton had been married since the 1980s and built both a family and a political partnership. Their simultaneous involvement in Texas politics has long garnered attention, particularly when Angela served on the Texas Senate during critical votes involving her husband.

Divorce impacts political landscape amid Senate bid

The news comes at a pivotal time for Ken Paxton, who is actively running in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. He is challenging incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, a fellow Texas Republican, in what is expected to be a contentious race.

This development could affect the political dynamics surrounding his campaign, especially as Paxton continues to appeal to conservative voters. His legal challenges and personal life are already subjects of intense media focus.

Since becoming attorney general in 2015, Paxton has frequently been at the center of national debates, often filing lawsuits against Democratic administrations and positioning himself as a leading conservative attorney general.

The previous impeachment adds pressure to the campaign

In May 2023, Paxton faced impeachment by the Texas House over allegations including abuse of office and misconduct. The investigation and proceedings prompted his temporary suspension from performing official duties.

The impeachment was seen by some conservatives as politically motivated, and Paxton retained strong support from key figures, including former President Donald Trump. Trump took to Truth Social to defend Paxton as one of the “toughest” officials in the country.

“Now establishment [Republicans In Name Only] are trying to undo that Election with a shameful impeachment of him,” Trump stated, criticizing the process and warning it could play into Democratic hands.

Acquittal and return to duties in late 2023

In September 2023, four months after the impeachment vote, the Texas Senate acquitted Paxton of the charges against him. This result allowed him to return to his role immediately.

The outcome provided momentum for his ongoing political ambitions, including his current campaign against Cornyn. However, the divorce filing may reignite scrutiny of both his professional conduct and personal affairs.

While the timing of the divorce has raised questions, neither Ken nor Angela Paxton has confirmed whether the allegations in the filing are related to any previous investigations or political controversies.