In a rare public intervention, Texas state Representative Angela Paxton (R) urged a gathering of conservative women to support Republican candidates in the upcoming election, even as her estranged husband, Attorney General Ken Paxton, faces a tight Senate race. Her comments, delivered at a Texas Federation of Republican Women meeting, marked the first time she has directly weighed in on the contest that has split the state's GOP.
Angela Paxton, who filed for divorce from Ken Paxton last July on grounds of adultery, has largely stayed out of the Senate race. But she told the audience that party loyalty should trump personal grievances, warning that losing a seat to Democrats would be far worse than any internal party disputes.
"Because we have more control over that seat and the future when we control the seat, when it's still in the family, even if we're mad at it," she said. "But if we lose it to the other team, the nuances that we want to fix with maybe a certain candidate are nothing compared to what it's going to take to get it found."
Her remarks come as recent polls show Democratic challenger James Talarico narrowly leading Ken Paxton, with 46 percent to 43 percent. The race is expected to be one of the most expensive in the country, with national GOP groups pouring money into the state to protect their Senate majority.
Angela Paxton also stressed that Republicans who break ranks face consequences, arguing that "the party comes with the person." She added, "They're not like a standalone thing, like a menu item. We have more control when it's our party. We have more ability than influence, and that person is attached to our party."
Her endorsement of party unity is notable given her personal history with the candidate. Ken Paxton, who defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the primary, carries significant political baggage. He was impeached by the Texas House on corruption charges but acquitted by the state Senate.
Several former aides and attorneys who worked for Ken Paxton have publicly supported Talarico, including Dan Cogdell, who led Paxton's defense during the impeachment trial. The latest Texas poll shows the race effectively tied, within the margin of error.
Angela Paxton's decision to speak out now could energize Republican base voters, but it also highlights the deep fissures within the party. Earlier this year, she urged Texans to vote in the primary but notably did not mention her husband's race.
The Senate contest is pivotal for control of the chamber, and GOP infighting over policy has complicated the party's message. Still, Angela Paxton's appeal to party unity may help consolidate conservative support as the election approaches.
Neither Ken Paxton's campaign nor Angela Paxton's office responded to requests for comment.
