Angela Paxton Urges Republican Women to Support GOP Candidates Amid Controversies

Angela Paxton, a Texas state senator and estranged wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, delivered a speech on September 18, 2026, urging Republican women in Texas to support GOP candidates despite any reservations. In her remarks, titled "The Elephant in the Room," she did not mention her husband or his race against Democrat James Talarico but acknowledged that many Texas Republicans feel conflicted about their voting choices due to Ken Paxton's history of legal and ethical issues. Angela Paxton filed for divorce last year, citing "biblical grounds" and alleging adultery. She stated, "The reality is, while we are the party of values, we have some vulnerabilities on our ballot, some real vulnerabilities," emphasizing that Republican women could be decisive in the upcoming election. She suggested that the primary election was the time to address these issues, and Republicans should prioritize retaining the Senate seat over individual candidates. Angela Paxton released the full video of her speech after a clip was shared on social media. Recent polls indicate that Talarico is leading Paxton in the race, which is critical for the GOP to maintain its majority. A Republican super PAC is investing significantly in support of Paxton, while former President Donald Trump is planning visits to Texas to bolster his campaign. Concerns about Ken Paxton's candidacy persist among Texas Republicans due to his scandals, including allegations of infidelity. Angela Paxton did not endorse her husband in the primary runoff against Sen. John Cornyn and has encouraged voters to avoid leaving the ballot blank in the upcoming election. She warned, "We cannot ignore the elephant in the room. If we do, we will lose, and in two years, we’ll be fighting not a battle, but a war."