Image Source: NBC News
Angela Paxton is urging Texas voters to support the Republican ticket in November, but her latest campaign appearance conspicuously avoided directly naming her estranged husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The Texas state senator appeared in a political advertisement released Saturday, saying she planned to vote for the Republican ticket on Nov. 3. Her message comes as Ken Paxton faces Democrat James Talarico in one of the country’s most closely watched Senate contests.
Angela Paxton Delivers a Carefully Worded Republican Appeal
In the advertisement, Angela Paxton framed the election as a broader contest between political teams rather than a referendum on individual candidates. She encouraged Texans to help Republicans retain their seats and warned that the alternative would be handing “the future of Texas” to Democrats.
“In a general election, it’s not as much about the individual players on the team; it’s about getting the whole team across the finish line,” she said.
She also invited voters to “talk about the elephant in the room,” an apparent reference to the difficult political and personal circumstances surrounding Ken Paxton’s campaign. However, the advertisement did not say whether she personally intends to vote for him.
Her office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about her voting plans, according to NBC News.
Explosive Personal History Shadows the Senate Contest
Angela Paxton filed for divorce from Ken Paxton last year, citing “biblical grounds.” Their relationship has faced intense public scrutiny, particularly since Ken Paxton’s impeachment by the Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives in 2023.
The Texas Senate later acquitted him. The proceedings included allegations involving abuse of office, bribery and infidelity. Ken Paxton has denied wrongdoing.
Despite the personal tensions, Angela Paxton’s appearance underscores the importance Republican leaders place on holding the Senate seat. Her comments offered support for the party’s broader campaign while leaving her position toward her husband open to interpretation.
Ken Paxton’s Republican Support Remains Strong
Ken Paxton has received backing from President Donald Trump, who endorsed him after Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary. Trump and his political allies have treated the Texas contest as a major test of Republican strength.
Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc., has invested millions of dollars in the race. The president has also visited Texas twice in recent weeks, including an appearance at a Republican midterm convention in Dallas and a rally in Denton.
During a campaign appearance in Alabama on Friday, Trump emphasized the stakes of the contest and said, “Ken Paxton has to win.”
James Talarico Holds a Narrow Polling Edge
The race has drawn unusual national attention because Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994. Democrats also have not won a U.S. Senate seat in the state since 1988.
Still, recent polling suggests the contest may be competitive. An NBC5 Dallas/Telemundo Station Group poll conducted in late September showed Talarico at 46% and Paxton at 43%. The survey’s margin of error was plus or minus 4 percentage points, while 8% of voters remained undecided.
- James Talarico: 46%
- Ken Paxton: 43%
- Undecided voters: 8%
- Poll margin of error: plus or minus 4 percentage points
NBC News currently classifies the race as a toss-up. The tight numbers have prompted increased spending, high-profile endorsements and a growing focus on candidate image, party loyalty and voter turnout.
Family Campaigning Adds Another Layer
Angela Paxton is not the only member of the family to appear in campaign messaging. Her daughter, Mattie Hayworth, recently featured in an advertisement supporting her father alongside her husband and children.
Hayworth criticized liberal politicians while images of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and James Talarico appeared on screen. She said her father was fighting to lower prices and stand up for families.
The contrast between the two advertisements is striking. While Hayworth made a direct case for Ken Paxton, Angela Paxton promoted the Republican ticket without mentioning him by name.
Why the Message Matters
Angela Paxton’s carefully constructed appeal reflects the unusual pressures surrounding the Texas Senate race. Republicans are seeking to preserve their long-standing dominance in the state, while Democrats see an opportunity to compete in a traditionally difficult political environment.
Her advertisement may help Republican candidates across the ballot without forcing her to publicly address whether she supports Ken Paxton personally. With Election Day approaching, the race is likely to remain a national focus as both parties fight for undecided voters.
What did Angela Paxton say in her advertisement?
She urged Texans to vote for the Republican ticket and emphasized helping the entire party team win, but she did not directly mention Ken Paxton.
Is Angela Paxton supporting Ken Paxton?
Her advertisement supported Republican candidates generally. Her office did not immediately clarify whether she plans to vote for her estranged husband.
Who is Ken Paxton running against?
Ken Paxton is facing Democrat James Talarico in the Texas Senate race.
What do recent polls show?
An NBC5 Dallas/Telemundo Station Group poll showed James Talarico at 46% and Ken Paxton at 43%, with 8% of voters undecided.
