The Texas divorce case of Attorney General Ken Paxton just took a significant turn. Judge Robert Brotherton has ordered the unsealing of documents related to the case after a sudden agreement between Ken Paxton and his wife, State Senator Angela Paxton. This change comes after a lengthy battle to keep these records confidential.
Tyler Bexley, who represents several media organizations advocating for transparency, called this a win. “We’re pleased with the result,” he said, highlighting the public’s right to know.
Interestingly, the couple appeared to shift their stance unexpectedly. Initially, both Paxtons wanted to keep the records private, citing personal reasons. It’s unclear what prompted this change, but the newly released documents show they entered mediation and received $20,000 each from a blind trust for legal fees. They also reflect that judges had recused themselves from the case prior to it being assigned to Brotherton.
While these records don’t elaborate on their financial status or the underlying issues of the divorce, they do hint at ongoing legal disputes, with the potential for more information to emerge in future filings. The media, including eight organizations and a nonprofit group, fought hard for the disclosure, arguing that Paxton’s public role and history of corruption allegations make the case a matter of public interest.
Angela Paxton filed for divorce in July, alleging adultery. Following this, she sought to seal the court records, a move supported by an earlier judge. However, Ken Paxton had expressed concerns about media intrusion into his private life, despite still facing multiple allegations of misconduct. While he has never been convicted, these issues have shadowed his time in office.
As he moves toward a Republican primary challenge against John Cornyn for the U.S. Senate, the public eye remains on how this divorce will play out. Laura Roach, one of Paxton’s lawyers, claimed he always intended for the records to be unsealed, although many question this assertion. Critics, like Michael Clauw from the Campaign for Accountability, suggest he only changed his mind when it seemed he’d lose access to the records in court.
The case continues to unfold with potential further developments. Stay tuned for what might come next as the Paxtons navigate their complex personal and legal circumstances.
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2026 elections,Angela Paxton,Attorney General’s Office,Ken Paxton
