Paxton Divorce Records to Be Unsealed After Legal Challenge
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A court order will soon restore public access to the divorce records of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Sen. Angela Paxton, following a lawsuit filed by multiple media organizations seeking their release. The decision comes after a Collin County judge initially sealed the proceedings, sparking controversy and a legal battle over transparency.
The move to unseal the records offers a rare glimpse into the personal lives of two prominent Texas political figures. Sen. Paxton, a Republican representing McKinney, filed for divorce in July alleging adultery by her husband, according to the initial divorce filing. The filing cited “biblical grounds” as the basis for the dissolution of the marriage.
Legal Battle for Transparency
Following the judge’s decision to seal the divorce records, a coalition of news and watchdog groups—including the Texas Tribune, ProPublica, The Texas Newsroom, and Campaign for Accountability—filed a plea in September demanding the records be made public. These organizations argued that the sealing of the records was an overreach and violated the public’s right to know.
The order, now signed by the Paxtons’ legal counsel, will “restore full public access to the case file,” according to court documents. However, final approval hinges on a judge’s signature, with a hearing scheduled for Friday to address any remaining concerns.
Political Implications for Ken Paxton
The unfolding situation arrives at a particularly sensitive time for Ken Paxton, who is currently campaigning to unseat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the upcoming Republican primary. Paxton has served as Texas’ attorney general for nearly a decade and has faced previous legal challenges.
Paxton has publicly criticized the media organizations involved in the lawsuit, accusing them of an unwarranted invasion of his personal life. This response underscores the high stakes surrounding the release of the divorce records and the potential impact on his political career.
The outcome of Friday’s hearing will determine whether the public will have full access to the details of the Paxtons’ divorce, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape.
Ayden Runnels is the afternoon/evening reporter. Previously, they were a breaking news reporter for the Las Vegas Sun. A graduate of the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas, Ayden… More by Ayden Runnels