Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his ex-wife, state Senator Angela Paxton, have officially finalized their divorce after 38 years of marriage. The separation was confirmed on November 12, 2026, just over a week after Ken Paxton lost his U.S. Senate election to Democrat James Talarico. The divorce ends a marriage that had faced years of public scrutiny over allegations of infidelity and political controversy.
Angela Paxton filed for divorce in July 2025, citing biblical grounds and recent discoveries about her husband’s conduct. The couple had reportedly been living separately since June 2024. Their divorce settlement remains private, according to Ken Paxton’s legal representatives.
Who Is Ken Paxton’s Ex-Wife Angela Paxton?
Angela Paxton is an American Republican politician who represents Texas Senate District 8, covering parts of Collin and Dallas counties. She was elected to the Texas Senate in 2018, becoming the first woman to represent the district.
Before entering politics, Angela worked in education and counseling. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematical science from Baylor University and later completed a master’s degree in education at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Her professional background includes teaching mathematics and working as a school counselor. She also participated in educational and community initiatives before launching her political career.
Angela established her own political identity while her husband served as Texas attorney general, a position he first assumed in 2015.
Why Did Angela Paxton Divorce Ken Paxton?
Angela announced her decision to seek a divorce on July 10, 2025, after nearly four decades of marriage.
In her public statement, she explained that she had reached the decision following developments in their relationship.
“After 38 years of marriage, I have filed for divorce on biblical grounds,” Angela wrote.
She also referred to recent discoveries that made continuing the marriage impossible.
The divorce petition alleged that Ken Paxton had committed adultery and was responsible for the breakdown of their marriage. It also stated that the couple had stopped living together on June 1, 2024.
Ken Paxton had previously faced allegations involving an extramarital relationship during his 2023 impeachment proceedings. The Texas Senate ultimately acquitted him of the impeachment charges.
Ken Paxton and Angela Paxton’s Divorce Is Finalized
The divorce was finalized in November 2026, approximately 16 months after Angela initially filed the petition.
Ken Paxton’s attorney, Laura Roach, confirmed that both parties had reached an agreement but said the settlement terms would not be publicly disclosed.
“The Paxtons and their respective attorneys, worked diligently to reach an amicable resolution of their divorce,” Roach said.
“From my observation, they share mutual respect for one another and appear to be looking forward to the next chapter of their lives.”
Neither Ken nor Angela has publicly disclosed details about property division, financial arrangements or other settlement provisions.
Ken Paxton’s Relationship With Tracy Duhon
During the divorce proceedings, Ken Paxton was publicly linked to Tracy Duhon, a Louisiana-based Christian influencer and philanthropist.
The two were photographed traveling together in Europe during 2026, attracting attention as Paxton campaigned for the U.S. Senate.
Duhon was previously married to businessman Troy Duhon and has been associated with charitable organizations, including Giving Hope NOLA.
Their reported relationship became part of the wider discussion surrounding Ken Paxton’s personal conduct during the Senate election.
Angela did not publicly address Duhon in detail while the divorce proceedings continued.
Do Ken Paxton and Angela Paxton Have Children?
Ken and Angela Paxton have four children together.
The couple raised their family in Texas while Ken developed his legal and political career. Angela also remained active in education, community service and Republican politics.
Their children have generally maintained private lives despite their parents’ prominent positions in Texas government.
The divorce settlement has not publicly disclosed any additional family arrangements, and both parents have avoided discussing their children’s involvement in the separation.
Angela Paxton Continues Her Political Career
Angela Paxton remains a Republican member of the Texas Senate following the end of her marriage.
During the 2026 election campaign, she appeared in a Republican advertisement encouraging voters to support the party’s candidates without directly naming her estranged husband.
“It’s not as much about the individual players on the team. It’s about getting the whole team across the finish line,” she said.
Ken Paxton subsequently lost the Senate election to James Talarico, despite defeating incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn in the party’s primary runoff.
Angela’s current Senate term continues through 2028, when her seat is scheduled for another election.
As of November 13, 2026, Angela and Ken Paxton are legally divorced. Angela continues serving in the Texas Senate, while Ken is preparing to leave the attorney general’s office following the election of Democrat Nathan Johnson.