Texas Politics Shaken: Angela Paxton Files for Divorce from AG Ken Paxton Citing Adultery

In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through Texas politics, State Senator Angela Paxton has filed for divorce from her husband of 38 years, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, citing "biblical grounds" and adultery in court documents.

A Political Power Couple Splits

On July 10, 2025, Angela Paxton announced on social media that she had filed for divorce, stating that while she "earnestly pursued reconciliation," recent discoveries had convinced her that remaining in the marriage "does not honor God." Court documents obtained from Collin County reveal that she cited adultery as the grounds for divorce.

The couple, who married in 1987 and have four children and five grandchildren together, have been fixtures in Texas Republican politics for years. Ken Paxton has served as Texas Attorney General since 2015, while Angela Paxton has represented District 8 in the Texas Senate since 2019.

A History of Allegations

The divorce filing comes nearly two years after Ken Paxton survived an impeachment trial in which his alleged extramarital affair played a central role. During those proceedings, former staffers testified that Paxton had engaged in a relationship with a woman named Laura Olson, who was later hired by real estate developer and Paxton campaign donor Nate Paul.

Katherine "Missy" Cary, Paxton's former chief of staff, testified during the 2023 impeachment trial that Paxton had admitted to the affair and had become "frantically upset" when confronted about it, saying that he "still loved Mrs. Olson." According to testimony, Paxton had initially confessed to the affair in 2018 with his tearful wife present, but the relationship allegedly continued.

Who is Laura Olson?

Olson, a four-time divorcee and mother of two, has been described as a longtime fixture in Texas Republican circles. She previously worked for Texas Senator Donna Campbell from 2014 to 2019 before taking a job with Nate Paul's real estate company in 2020.

The hiring of Olson by Paul became a key element in the impeachment case against Paxton. House impeachment managers alleged that Paul had offered Olson employment as a form of bribe to Paxton, who subsequently used his office to assist Paul with legal troubles. This arrangement allegedly allowed Paxton to continue the affair more conveniently, as Olson relocated from San Antonio to Austin.

Former staffers testified that Paxton and Paul shared an Uber account under the pseudonym "Dave P." that Paxton allegedly used to visit Olson's apartment dozens of times. Despite these allegations, Paxton was acquitted of all charges by the Republican-controlled Senate in September 2023.

Political Implications

The divorce announcement comes at a politically sensitive time for Ken Paxton, who announced in April that he would challenge incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary. Early polls had shown Paxton leading Cornyn, but political analysts are now questioning how the divorce and renewed focus on his personal conduct might affect his chances.

Political consultant Maria Rodriguez notes that the timing is particularly challenging for Paxton. "Family values and Christian faith are core tenets for many Texas Republican voters," she explains. "While they stood by him during the impeachment, a divorce specifically citing adultery creates a new narrative that could be difficult to overcome, especially in a primary against an established incumbent like Cornyn."

Senator Angela Paxton had recused herself from voting in her husband's impeachment trial, but her continued support was seen as crucial to his political survival. Her decision to file for divorce now raises questions about what new information may have come to light since the trial.

Ken Paxton's Response

In his own statement on social media, Ken Paxton did not directly address the adultery allegations, instead attributing the divorce to "the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny." He expressed pride in his family and asked for "prayers and privacy at this time."

Paxton's political career has been marked by controversy beyond his personal life. He has faced securities fraud charges since 2015, though those were recently dropped as part of a pretrial agreement. He also survived a Justice Department corruption investigation that ended without charges, and he successfully fought off a lawsuit from the State Bar of Texas over his efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.

Throughout these legal battles, Paxton has positioned himself as a champion of conservative causes and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, whose endorsement could prove crucial in his Senate primary challenge against Cornyn.

Looking Ahead

As the divorce proceedings move forward, political observers are watching closely to see how both Paxtons navigate their futures. For Angela Paxton, who built her political career alongside her husband's, the divorce represents both a personal and professional crossroads.

"Senator Paxton has established her own identity in the Texas Senate, but there's no question that her political rise was connected to her husband's prominence," notes political scientist Dr. James Wilson. "How she positions herself now will be fascinating to watch."

For Ken Paxton, the challenge will be maintaining his political momentum while managing a high-profile divorce that brings renewed attention to allegations he has long denied. His ability to retain the support of conservative voters, particularly evangelical Christians who form a crucial part of his base, may determine whether his Senate ambitions can survive this latest personal crisis.

As one longtime Texas political observer put it: "In Texas politics, personal scandals don't always spell doom for a career. But when they reinforce existing concerns about character and judgment, they can become the final straw for voters who have been willing to look the other way."