Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton skipped endorsing her estranged husband, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and instead urged voters in the Senate Republican primary runoff to back Mayes Middleton for attorney general and other candidates for statewide offices ahead
On the eve of Tuesday’s elections, Angela Paxton chose a moment that couldn’t be missed: she urged Texas voters to pull the lever for other statewide Republicans while deliberately not endorsing her estranged husband, Attorney General Ken Paxton.
In an announcement ahead of the runoff elections, Angela Paxton encouraged people to vote for State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R) for Attorney General. James “Jim” Wright for Railroad Commissioner. and Thomas Smith for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals – Place 3. Her endorsement list pointed in a clear direction — it omitted any mention of Ken Paxton and his incumbent opponent. State Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).
The refusal lands against the backdrop of the divorce that has already reshaped their public story. Angela Paxton filed for divorce from Ken Paxton after 38 years of marriage in July 2025. describing the split as being on “biblical grounds. ” and citing “recent discoveries.” She also reportedly accused Ken Paxton of adultery. In a post on X. she said she had “earnestly pursued reconciliation. ” writing: “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. 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.”.
Ken Paxton, for his part, has framed the divorce differently in his own statement on X. He cited the “pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny” as a contributing factor in their split.
Beyond the family fracture, the political track for Ken Paxton is now carrying its own weight. President Donald Trump has endorsed Ken Paxton in the state’s Senate primary. On Truth Social ahead of Tuesday’s elections, Trump wrote: “TEXAS, REMEMBER!. Ken Paxton was a GREAT Attorney General, probably the best in the Country. He was also very loyal to your favorite President. ME. as the Dumocrats played their ultimate game of Weaponization. and failed. BADLY!. I LOVE Texas. and WON it all three times. getting. by far. the highest (A Record!) Vote in the History of that Great & Beautiful State.”.
Even without stepping into the endorsement language about Ken Paxton’s runoff, Angela Paxton’s decision adds force to what voters will now weigh: not just who has power in Texas politics, but who is backing the man — and who has chosen not to.
Angela Paxton Ken Paxton Texas Attorney General Senate Republican primary runoff Mayes Middleton James Jim Wright Thomas Smith John Cornyn Trump endorsement Truth Social divorce
So she’s just not endorsing him?? Messy. I didn’t even know they were separated.
Wait, Trump endorsed Ken Paxton but she’s telling people to vote for someone else? Sounds like Texas politics is just one big family group chat. Also “biblical grounds” is wild to put in a divorce.
I’m confused though… doesn’t the article say she’s endorsing the other statewide candidates but not saying Ken’s name? Like, is that even legal or is it just a PR thing? Divorce aside, who even runs Railroad Commissioner anymore, I swear it’s always someone different.
This reads like: divorce happened, then suddenly she remembers religion and names other guys. But also Trump on Truth Social is talking like Ken is the best ever, so which one is it? People keep saying “weaponization” and “public scrutiny” but none of that tells me if Ken’s any good. And Cornyn being mentioned like that?? Idk, I just feel bad for the kids honestly.