Who is Ken Paxton? Divorce and affair scandal shake up Texas Attorney General’s career

Ken Paxton has been the Attorney General of Texas since 2014. He became famous for being a hardline conservative and often sued the Obama and Biden administrations. He supported strict abortion laws, anti-LGBTQ measures, and election integrity policies.

In 2015, he was charged with felony securities fraud but made a plea deal in 2024. Even with legal trouble, he got reelected twice, helped by his alliance with Donald Trump and anti-establishment stance, according to the report by Mint.

The affair and impeachment story

In 2023, Ken Paxton became the first Texas official in 45 years to be impeached. Prosecutors said he took bribes and favors from a real estate donor Nate Paul, including a job for his alleged mistress Laura Olson, as per the Mint report.


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During the trial, he first said Olson was just his "realtor" but later admitted the affair. Olson was hired by Nate Paul shortly after the affair began in 2018.

Angela Paxton, his wife, found out in 2019 and they briefly split. The Texas Senate, controlled by Republicans, acquitted him, but the scandal came back up later.

Angela Paxton files for divorce

In July 2025, Angela Paxton, a Texas State Senator, filed for divorce after 38 years of marriage. She said it was on “biblical grounds” and due to adultery. She posted on X that she tried to save the marriage but couldn’t stay because it wouldn't “honor God” or protect her family, according to the report by Axios.

Angela said, "I move forward with complete confidence that God is working for good." Ken Paxton also posted on X, saying he is proud of their family and asked for prayers and privacy.

Political impact & Senate race trouble

Ken Paxton is challenging Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 GOP primary. His campaign depends a lot on Donald Trump’s endorsement, which might now be at risk.

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The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), which supports Cornyn, called Paxton's behavior “repulsive and disgusting”. Cornyn didn’t name him but mentioned “character matters” and called the divorce a private issue, according to the report by Axios.

A new poll showed that 24% of Texas GOP evangelical voters are now less likely to support Paxton after the adultery story.

Angela Paxton went to Ken’s impeachment trial but couldn’t vote. She recused herself and was officially barred from voting. The Paxtons have four children and five grandchildren, according to the report by Axios.

FAQs

Q1. Why did Angela Paxton file for divorce from Ken Paxton?
Angela Paxton filed for divorce citing adultery after Ken Paxton's alleged affair became public during his impeachment trial.

Q2. What are the allegations against Ken Paxton?
Ken Paxton was accused of taking bribes, abusing his office to help a donor, and having an affair with a woman given a job by that donor.