Texas state senator Angela Paxton has filed for divorce from her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, citing “biblical grounds” as the reason. The couple has been married since 1986, but reports claim that they haven’t been living together since June 2024.
“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,” Angela, 62, wrote on X on Thursday night. “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, 62, also posted on X, saying, “After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives. I could not be any more proud or grateful for the incredible family that God has blessed us with, and I remain committed to supporting our amazing children and grandchildren. I ask for your prayers and privacy at this time.”
But what exactly does “biblical grounds” mean? And how could it have led these two Republican politicians to divorce after 38 years together? We look into all of that below.
What does biblical grounds mean?
According to the Bible, specifically passages like Matthew 19:9 and 1 Corinthians 7:15, people are allowed to divorce their spouse and not face repercussions from the church if they do so on the grounds of adultery and abandonment. This means that if a religious couple files for divorce but does not want to lose their status in the church, they can do so as long as one of those reasons is present, and they cite “biblical grounds” as for why they chose to do it.
A look at Angela and Ken Paxton’s divorce
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Before announcing their divorce, Angela and Ken’s relationship made headlines after it was revealed in 2023 that he had reportedly used his office to do favors for an Austin real estate investor who helped Ken hide his affair. That information came to light during a highly publicized impeachment trial in which Ken was accused of fraud, bribery and abuse of office. He was then impeached in May 2023, and while Angela was present at the trial, she was not allowed to vote.
“What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting,” NRSC [National Republican Senatorial Committee] Communications Director Joanna Rodriguez said in a statement, per CNN. “No one should have to endure what Angela Paxton has, and we pray for her as she chooses to stand up for herself and her family during this difficult time.”
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Because of all of this information, including the alleged affair, Angela—who has spoken quite openly about being a Christian—was able to use the phrase “Biblical grounds” as the reason for her divorce. However, as of publication, it remains unclear how many affairs Ken is accused of having and why Angela waited until now to announce this divorce.
It is also unclear how this news will impact Ken’s campaign for the Texas Senate, as he is currently seeking to unseat incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the upcoming primary election.
When asked about the divorce news, Cornyn told CNN it “seems like a private matter.”
