Paxton Divorce Filing Shakes Texas Senate GOP Primary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, currently leading significantly in polls against incumbent Senator John Cornyn for the Republican Senate primary, is facing a tightening race following his wife Angela Paxton's announcement of a divorce citing adultery and "recent discoveries." Despite the personal scandal and ongoing legal troubles—including an impeachment trial from which he was acquitted—Paxton has maintained strong support in multiple polls throughout May and June, though betting markets now show the race as nearly even. The primary contest is drawing national attention, with President Trump recently meeting with GOP leaders to discuss the race but remaining publicly neutral, while Paxton leverages his alignment with Trump and criticism of Cornyn's establishment ties. Cornyn, who has served since 2003 and recently accompanied Trump on a Texas flood damage visit, is attempting to rally support amid criticism from conservatives over his legislative record, including gun control and immigration issues. Both candidates showed a temporary truce during the flood visit, but their rivalry remains intense as fundraising and political maneuvering escalate ahead of the primary. The outcome is seen as a test of how personal scandals and political records influence Republican primary voters in Texas.