Ken Paxton: Recent Updates and Activities as of July 2025

Overview

Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General since 2015, remains a polarizing figure in legal battles. As a key ally of former President Donald Trump, Paxton has been involved in numerous high-profile lawsuits and political maneuvers while facing personal and legal challenges, including a recent divorce filing and an ongoing U.S. Senate campaign against John Cornyn.

Recent Legal and Political Developments

Whistleblower Lawsuit Resolution: In July 2025, Paxton dropped his appeal in a whistleblower lawsuit, agreeing to pay $6.6 million to four former deputies who claimed they were fired for reporting his alleged corruption to the FBI. This settlement marks the conclusion of a years-long legal saga that began in 2020.
Election Integrity Investigations: Paxton has intensified efforts to investigate alleged voter fraud, targeting election officials and civil groups. A state-led investigation in Frio County, initially reported as a local effort, resulted in nine indictments, showcasing Paxton’s focus on election integrity.
Consumer Protection Initiatives: Paxton issued consumer alerts to protect Texans from scams following devastating floods, emphasizing responsible charitable giving. He also secured a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, addressing the opioid crisis.
Lawsuits and Investigations: Paxton launched investigations into Dallas ISD for allegedly violating state laws on transgender athletes in girls’ sports and sued Coppell ISD over claims of teaching critical race theory. He also targeted General Mills, leading to the removal of artificial dyes from their products.
U.S. Senate Campaign: Paxton announced his 2026 U.S. Senate bid against incumbent John Cornyn, a move that has stirred intra-party tensions. Polls suggest a competitive GOP primary, with Paxton trailing Cornyn but gaining traction among conservative voters.

Personal Developments

Divorce Filing: In 2025, Angela Paxton, Ken’s wife and a Texas state senator, filed for divorce on “biblical grounds” after 38 years of marriage. This development has sparked speculation about its impact on Paxton’s Senate campaign.

Past Controversies

Impeachment Acquittal: In September 2023, Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate on 16 articles of impeachment related to allegations of bribery, corruption, and abuse of office involving donor Nate Paul. The trial highlighted GOP divisions, with Paxton’s acquittal consideredred a victory for Texas’ hard-right faction.
Securities Fraud Case: Paxton settled a 2015 securities fraud case in 2025 by fulfilling a pretrial agreement involving restitution, ethics training, and community service, leading to the dismissal of charges.
Federal Investigation Dropped: In April 2025, the Department of Justice dropped an abuse-of-power investigation against Paxton, which he leveraged to criticize Senator Cornyn.

Political Stance and Actions

Paxton has positioned himself as a staunch conservative, pursuing legal actions against the Biden administration nearly 50 times and challenging policies on immigration, abortion, and voter fraud. His office successfully defended a Texas law requiring age verification for online pornography, a significant win at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Conclusion

Ken Paxton continues to shape Texas politics through aggressive legal strategies and a high-profile Senate campaign. Despite personal and legal challenges, his influence within the Republican Party remains strong, though his actions continue to polarize both supporters and critics. As the 2026 Senate race approaches, Paxton’s legal victories and controversies will likely remain in the spotlight.