Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton’s divorce bombshell against Attorney General Ken Paxton has jolted the GOP Senate primary like a lightning strike, as Axios reports. Her public announcement, citing “biblical grounds,” tosses a wrench into an already heated race. Conservatives must now brace for a messy political brawl.
Angela Paxton’s divorce filing, revealed recently, upends the contest between her husband and Sen. John Cornyn, who’s scrambling to close a polling gap. The news, paired with Cornyn’s upcoming trip alongside President Donald Trump, could tilt the scales. This primary, already a GOP headache, just got spicier.
Ken Paxton, Texas’ embattled AG, faces Cornyn in a high-stakes Senate showdown. Private polls show Paxton commanding over 50% support, a formidable lead. Yet, Angela’s split, rooted in “biblical” reasons, might erode his conservative base.
The divorce news broke publicly, though the exact date of the split remains unclear. Angela’s decision follows Ken Paxton’s 2023 impeachment saga, where she first heard whispers of his alleged mistress. That scandal, survived but not forgotten, now haunts his campaign.
Cornyn, trailing in polls, sees opportunity in the Paxton family fallout. His campaign views Trump’s endorsement as the golden ticket to victory. Without it, Cornyn’s path narrows in this MAGA-leaning primary.
Paxton’s team, too, knows a Trump nod could seal the deal. Trump officials met Senate Majority Leader John Thune recently, signaling the former president’s keen interest. They’re watching if Cornyn can shrink Paxton’s lead before Trump picks a side.
Trump hasn’t endorsed in the race yet, keeping both campaigns on edge. Cornyn’s Friday flight with Trump on Air Force One, headed to flood-ravaged Texas, where over 120 died, offers a chance to cozy up. Strategic or serendipitous, this trip could sway Trump’s decision.
The GOP establishment wasted no time rallying behind Cornyn post-divorce news. The National Republican Senatorial Committee and party leaders pledged full support. “What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive,” said NRSC spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez.
Rodriguez’s jab lands hard, but let’s be real: Paxton’s woes don’t erase his conservative credentials. Still, the GOP smells blood, betting Cornyn’s steadier image could unify the party. Hypocrisy alert -- scandals rarely sink MAGA favorites when voters crave fighters.
This primary has been a Republican migraine for months, with Paxton’s lead fueling anxiety. Party leaders admit to backing Cornyn's demands for serious cash to counter Paxton’s grassroots momentum. The divorce drama only raises the stakes.
Democrats, meanwhile, are licking their chops. They believe Paxton, if nominated, would be a weak general election foe. A Paxton win could hand them a rare Texas Senate seat.
Cornyn’s challenge is clear: leverage the Paxton split without alienating Trump’s base. His Air Force One moment with Trump could be pivotal. Will he charm the MAGA king or fumble the opportunity?
Paxton’s polling edge, once ironclad, now wobbles under personal scrutiny. Angela’s “biblical grounds” claim resonates with Texas’ faith-driven voters, who may question his moral standing. Yet, Paxton’s defiance has long fueled his populist appeal.
The GOP’s rush to Cornyn signals a broader anti-woke push to stabilize the party. Paxton’s scandals, though, don’t neatly fit the progressive narrative -- his woes are personal, not ideological. Conservatives must weigh loyalty to a fighter against the risk of a flawed candidate.
Texas’ Senate race, already a circus, now teeters on Trump’s next move and Paxton’s ability to weather this storm. The divorce saga, paired with Cornyn’s calculated plays, guarantees more fireworks. Buckle up -- this primary is far from over.
