Angela Paxton, the Texas state senator and estranged former wife of Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, has spoken publicly about the closely fought race for the first time since filing for divorce. Addressing more than 100 Republican women, she urged them to support the party’s candidates, including her ex-husband, even when dissatisfied with individual politicians.

Paxton argued that retaining control of the Senate seat was more important than disagreements with a particular candidate. Her remarks came as Democrat James Talarico was polling six points ahead of Ken Paxton, at 49% to 43%, according to a recent ReconMR and Siena Research Institute survey. Angela filed for divorce in 2025, citing “biblical grounds”, after allegations of multiple infidelities; Ken Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate following his 2023 impeachment.