Texas AG Ken Paxton’s Divorce Files Sealed; Judge Linked to Paxton Grants Motion

A judge has decided to seal the divorce records of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his wife, State Sen. Angela Paxton, restricting public access to court filings in a case that has garnered significant public and political attention.

On Friday, Judge Ray Wheless, a Republican and the regional administrative judge for North Texas, approved the motion to seal the records. He took over the case after Judge Jill Renfro Willis withdrew without providing an explanation. Willis and her spouse, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, share deep-rooted connections with the Paxtons.

The case's closure implies that the public won't receive any updates on the divorce proceedings in the future. In a significant development, Angela Paxton has recently filed for divorce, alleging adultery and expressing on X (formerly Twitter) that her recent findings have convinced her that reconciliation is impossible.

"In light of my beliefs, my family, and the challenging realities that have emerged, I am pursuing a divorce based on biblical principles," Angela Paxton stated.

Court documents acquired before the sealing indicate that she is seeking an unequal portion of the couple’s assets, exclusive rights to their McKinney residence, and sole access to her business account. She is asking Ken Paxton to acknowledge his responsibility for the collapse of their marriage.

Ken Paxton, acquitted of impeachment charges last year related to bribery and abuse of office, has yet to make a public statement regarding the infidelity allegations. He linked the divorce to external pressures, stating on social media, “After enduring numerous political challenges and public examination, Angela and I have chosen to embark on a new chapter in our lives.”

Judge Wheless has previous campaign connections to the Paxtons. Since 2014, he and his wife, Judge Cynthia Wheless, have made contributions totaling nearly $2,000 to the Paxtons' political campaigns.

Laura Roach, the attorney for Ken Paxton, indicated that Judge Wheless is likely to step down from the case. Wheless, serving as a regional administrative judge, holds the power to reassign the case to a different judge.

Officials have chosen not to disclose the formal order that seals the case, indicating that all associated documents are now off-limits to the public.