Angela Paxton’s ad urges GOP unity without naming her estranged husband
Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton released a new ad urging voters to support the entire Republican ticket for the Nov. 3 election, explicitly avoiding her estranged husband Ken Paxton’s name. The ad, funded by a super PAC, follows her recent speech to conservative women arguing that retaining the Senate seat is more important than individual candidate scandals. While the race remains a toss-up, Democratic nominee James Talarico holds a slight polling lead in a state that has not lost a statewide race since 1994.
Key points
- Angela Paxton’s new ad tells Texans she is voting for the 'Republican ticket' on Nov. 3 but does not mention Ken Paxton by name.
- The ad was funded by Texas PAC, a super PAC affiliated with Senate Majority Leader John Thune that has spent over $126 million supporting Paxton.
- Paxton previously told a group of Republican women that keeping the seat 'in the family' matters more than personal grievances or candidate character.
- Angela Paxton filed for divorce in 2025 citing 'biblical grounds' and adultery, though Ken Paxton has denied wrongdoing.
- Democratic nominee James Talarico currently leads in polls, with an NBC/Telemundo survey showing him at 46% versus Paxton’s 43%.
- President Trump has visited Texas twice recently to rally support for Paxton, calling the race a must-win for the GOP.
Background
This development follows Angela Paxton’s September speech to the Texas Federation of Republican Women, where she argued that party unity outweighs personal conflicts. It also comes amid a surge in Republican spending, including a $10 million ad buy from MAGA Inc., to counter Democratic gains in the Texas Senate race. The controversy is further complicated by Ken Paxton’s 2023 impeachment trial, which touched on allegations of infidelity and bribery, though he was acquitted by the state Senate.
How outlets are covering it
NBC News and The Texas Tribune focus on the strategic ambiguity of Angela Paxton’s ad, noting she avoids naming her husband while urging support for the party. MS NOW highlights the tension between party loyalty and personal ethics, describing her speech as a 'weary call' for women to vote despite reservations. The Texas Observer offers a critical perspective, arguing that prioritizing the seat over character undermines accountability and ignores the consequences for women under restrictive state laws. All outlets agree the race is competitive, with Talarico holding a narrow lead in most polls.
Why it matters
The race is one of the most expensive in the cycle, with significant spending from both sides. A Democratic victory would mark the first time Texas sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in over 30 years, potentially shifting the balance of power in the Senate. The involvement of Angela Paxton highlights the internal divisions within the Republican base regarding candidate ethics versus party control.
What to watch
The next major event is the Nov. 3 general election. Campaign spending is expected to intensify in the final weeks, with Trump planning further appearances in Texas. Polling data will continue to fluctuate, but the race remains defined as a toss-up by major news outlets.
- Ken Paxton’s estranged wife urges voters to back his Senate bid, yet avoids mentioning him by name NBC News
- Without Saying His Name, Paxton’s Estranged Wife Says to Vote for Him The New York Times
- Opinion | Angela Paxton’s argument to vote for her husband has to be heard to be believed MS NOW
- In TV ad, Angela Paxton urges voters to back “the Republican ticket” that includes her estranged husband The Texas Tribune
- Angela Paxton’s Message: Elect the Elephant at All Costs The Texas Observer
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