What Happened to Warren Kenneth "Ken" Paxton Jr.?

Ken Paxton's political career began in the Texas House of Representatives in 2002, followed by a term in the Texas Senate, before he was elected Attorney General of Texas in 2014, assuming office in January 2015. Almost immediately, his tenure was overshadowed by legal challenges. In July 2015, he was indicted on three felony securities fraud charges, accused of misleading investors without disclosing that he was receiving a commission. Paxton pleaded not guilty, and the case languished for years due to numerous delays and legal battles.

A more significant crisis erupted in 2020 when several of Paxton's top aides reported him to the FBI, alleging corruption and abuse of office to benefit a wealthy political donor, Nate Paul. These accusations led to a historic impeachment by the Texas House of Representatives in May 2023, with a vote of 121-23, leading to his temporary suspension from office. The articles of impeachment included allegations of bribery, dereliction of duty, and making false statements.

However, in September 2023, the Texas Senate, where his wife Angela Paxton also serves, voted to acquit him on all 16 articles of impeachment. The acquittal, which required 21 votes for conviction, saw only two Republicans side with Democrats, allowing Paxton to be immediately reinstated as Attorney General. This outcome solidified his political resilience and was seen as a major victory for the conservative Republican.

In March 2024, the long-running securities fraud case finally reached a resolution. Paxton agreed to a pretrial agreement requiring him to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution to victims, complete 100 hours of community service, and undergo 15 hours of legal ethics training. The charges were formally dismissed in 2025 after he fulfilled these conditions, ending a nearly decade-long legal saga without a conviction. Despite these legal troubles, Paxton has maintained strong support among the Republican base, often aligning himself with former President Donald Trump.

As of July 2026, Ken Paxton remains the Attorney General of Texas. He successfully defeated incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff in May 2026, becoming the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate election on November 3, 2026. He is currently campaigning against Democratic candidate James Talarico, with polls indicating a close race. Recent developments include his office securing significant legal settlements, such as over $13 million from Walmart in July 2026 for delivery drivers, and his nuanced stance on IVF, expressing openness to restrictions. His wife, Angela Allen, filed for divorce in July 2025.