Angela and Ken Paxton agree to unseal divorce records

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Sen. Angela Paxton (R-McKinney) agreed late Monday to unseal the records in their ongoing divorce case, a reversal that came just hours before a scheduled December 19 court hearing on whether the documents would remain sealed.

The move follows months of legal efforts by media organizations and a government accountability group seeking access to filings in a case that has drawn unusually high public interest because of the Paxtons’ political prominence and the attorney general’s ongoing legal and ethical controversies.

A High-Profile Divorce Sets Off a Transparency Battle

Angela Paxton filed for divorce on July 10, citing “adultery” as the grounds for separation. Shortly after, she moved to seal the records, prompting scrutiny from journalists and watchdog groups who argued that the proceedings involved a top state official whose conduct is a matter of public concern.

On September 18, eight media outlets jointly petitioned the court to unseal the records: Dow Jones & Company, Inc.; Hearst Newspapers, LLC; ProPublica Inc.; The Texas Lawbook; The Texas Newsroom; The Texas Observer; The Texas Tribune; and WP Company LLC.

“The Media Interventors are state, local, and national news organizations with long-standing commitments to report on matters of significant public interest, including the conduct of public officials and the administration of justice,” the filing said.

The nonprofit Campaign for Accountability (CFA) filed a similar motion the same month, arguing that transparency was essential given Paxton’s position as attorney general and his history of public controversies.

On November 18, Ken Paxton pushed back forcefully in a written brief, calling the requests “intrusive” and asserting that the intervenors sought to “invade and publicize the most sensitive aspects of the Paxtons’ marital and private lives.”

Judicial Complications Add to the Spotlight

The case has also been marked by unusual judicial turnover. Judge Ray Wheless sealed the records at Angela Paxton’s request before later recusing himself. The original judge, Jill Renfro Willis, had already stepped aside. Neither explained the reason for doing so, though both are known to have personal and political ties to the Paxtons.

The case is now overseen by Judge Robert “Bob” Brotherton, Jr., a retired visiting judge known for his openness to press access. Upon his retirement, he stated, “It’s more accurate if the public sees what’s happening in court instead of what somebody interprets as having happened in court.”

Impeachment Allegations and Public Interest

Interest in the divorce filings intensified because allegations of an extramarital affair by Ken Paxton took center stage during his 2023 impeachment trial. Legislators examined claims that Paxton accepted bribes from real estate investor Nate Paul and helped secure employment for Laura Olson, the woman alleged to be his mistress.

Paxton was impeached on 20 articles addressing bribery, abuse of office, and mishandling of public resources. The Texas Senate ultimately acquitted him on 16 charges, allowing him to remain in office.

Given this background, advocates argued that transparency in the divorce proceedings was essential. Following the Paxtons’ decision to unseal the records, CFA Executive Director Michelle Kuppersmith said in a December 18 statement, “Given Ken Paxton’s role as the chief law enforcement officer of the state and a candidate for U.S. Senate, the public has every right to consider any material that may reflect upon his character. We’re glad the Paxtons have finally recognized this.”

She added, “Ken Paxton is the top law enforcement officer in Texas and now a U.S. Senate candidate. The public has every right to information that may reflect upon his character.”

Looking Ahead

Ken Paxton is currently seeking a U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 Republican primary, challenging incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX-38). With his campaign underway and legal scrutiny continuing, the unsealing of the divorce records ensures that details of the case—whatever they reveal—will be available for public review.

The court is expected to take additional procedural steps in the coming weeks, but the Paxtons’ agreement effectively ends the transparency dispute that had drawn statewide and national attention.