Ken Paxton Biography
Who is currently the attorney general of Texas?
Ken Paxton is an American attorney, politician, and the 51st Attorney General of Texas. He was born on December 23, 1962, in Minot, North Dakota. His full name is Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr. He grew up in a military family and lived in several states during childhood.
Paxton attended Baylor University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an MBA. Later, he received a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. Before entering politics, he worked as an attorney and operated his own law firm in Texas.
His political career began in 2003 when voters elected him to the Texas House of Representatives. In 2013, he joined the Texas Senate. Subsequently, he won election as Texas Attorney General in 2014 and secured reelection in 2018 and 2022. As attorney general, he focused on border security, election integrity, consumer protection, and legal challenges against federal policies.
Additionally, Paxton created a specialized unit to combat human trafficking in Texas. He also became a prominent conservative voice and a strong supporter of President Donald Trump. Throughout his tenure, he filed numerous lawsuits involving immigration, federal regulations, and constitutional issues.
In 2026, Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate and competing against John Cornyn in the Republican runoff election. The winner will advance to face James Talarico in the general election.
Ken Paxton Age
How Old Is Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton?
Ken Paxton was born on December 23, 1962, in Minot, North Dakota. Therefore, he is 63 years old as of 2026. Moreover, his age reflects decades of experience in law and politics. Additionally, he remains active as the Texas Attorney General and a national political figure.
Ken Paxton’s Height
How tall is Ken Paxton?
Ken Paxton’s height is estimated at around 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). Moreover, he maintains a professional appearance during public events. Additionally, his presence reflects his long-standing role as the Texas Attorney General. His stature appears average compared to other politicians.
Ken Paxton Wife & Divorce
Angela Paxton is the ex-wife of Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate. The couple married in 1986 and built a family together. They have four children and shared decades of public service in Texas politics. Angela Paxton serves as a Republican member of the Texas Senate. Previously, she worked as a teacher and school counselor. However, their long marriage ended when Angela Paxton filed for divorce in 2025. She cited biblical grounds in her public statement. As of 2026, Angela Paxton continues her legislative career while Ken Paxton pursues higher office. Consequently, public interest in their family and political history remains high.
Ken Paxton Children
Ken and his wife, Angela Paxton, have four children together. Their children include Tucker, Abby, Madison, and Katie Paxton. Moreover, the Paxton family has remained close despite their busy political lives. Tucker Paxton has followed a public path and gained attention in Texas politics. Meanwhile, the other children maintain more private lives. Additionally, the family values faith, education, and community involvement. The Paxtons often highlight their strong family values, which shape their public image. Furthermore, their children continue to support their parents’ political and personal endeavors.
Ken Paxton Parents
Ken Paxton was born to Warren Kenneth Paxton Sr. and Sally Ann Sandidge on December 23, 1962, in Minot, North Dakota. His father served in the United States Air Force, and the family relocated frequently during his childhood. As a result, Paxton experienced life in several communities before settling in Texas. Furthermore, his parents emphasized discipline, hard work, and personal responsibility. Those values later influenced his legal and political career. Growing up in a military household also exposed him to structure and public service at an early age. Furthermore, growing up in a military household exposed Paxton to discipline and responsibility at an early age. These experiences later influenced his career in law and politics.
Ken Paxton Education: Baylor University and UVA Law Background
Ken Paxton has a strong academic background in business and law. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University. Moreover, he completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Baylor University. Afterward, he pursued legal studies and obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. Additionally, his education prepared him for a career in law and politics. These qualifications continue to support his role as the Texas Attorney General.
Ken Paxton Primary Elections 2026: Senate Runoff Against John Cornyn
Ken Paxton entered the 2026 Texas Republican U.S. Senate primary after launching a challenge against incumbent Senator John Cornyn. He campaigned on a conservative platform and emphasized his alignment with President Donald Trump. During the March 2026 Republican primary, neither Paxton nor Cornyn secured the majority required to win the nomination outright. Consequently, both candidates advanced to a runoff election scheduled for May 26, 2026. The contest quickly became one of the most closely watched Republican races in the country. A major turning point came when President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the runoff campaign. As a result, Paxton gained momentum among Republican voters and attracted increased national attention.
Furthermore, the endorsement highlighted divisions within the Texas Republican Party and intensified the competition between the two candidates. The runoff winner will become the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat. Afterwards, the nominee will face Democratic candidate James Talarico in the November 2026 general election. Therefore, the primary race carries significant implications for the future political landscape of Texas and could influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Ken Paxton Texas Election Results 2026: Senate Primary Victory Over John Cornyn
Ken Paxton secured a major victory in the 2026 Texas Republican Senate primary runoff. He defeated longtime Senator John Cornyn after a heated campaign. Moreover, President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton shortly before the election. That endorsement strengthened Paxton’s support among conservative voters.
Additionally, Paxton will now face Democrat James Talarico in the November 2026 general election. Political analysts expect the race to remain highly competitive. Furthermore, the primary became one of Texas’ most closely watched elections because of Paxton’s legal controversies and strong MAGA support. Reports showed Paxton leading comfortably in the runoff results, while Cornyn conceded the race after polls closed. Ken Paxton’s Texas election results have already reshaped the Texas Republican political landscape.
Ken Paxton vs. John Cornyn Profile
| Category | Ken Paxton | John Cornyn |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr. | John Cornyn III |
| Birth Date | December 23, 1962 | February 2, 1952 |
| Age (2026) | 63 | 74 |
| Birthplace | Minot, North Dakota, USA | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Political Party | Republican | Republican |
| Current Position | Texas Attorney General | U.S. Senator from Texas |
| Years in Current Office | Since 2015 | Since 2002 |
| Education | Baylor University; University of Virginia School of Law | Trinity University; St. Mary’s University School of Law; University of Virginia |
| Previous Offices | Texas House, Texas Senate | Texas Supreme Court Justice, Texas Attorney General |
| Key Policy Focus | Border security, election integrity, limited government | National security, economic growth, infrastructure, border security |
| Trump Relationship | Strong ally and endorsed by President Trump in 2026 | Occasionally aligned but has faced criticism from Trump supporters |
| 2026 Senate Race | Republican runoff candidate | Republican runoff candidate |
| General Election Opponent | Winner faces James Talarico | Winner faces James Talarico |
| Family | Four children | Two children |
| Political Style | Conservative populist | Establishment conservative |
Ken Paxton Religion
What religion is Ken Paxton?
Ken Paxton is a Christian and has openly expressed strong religious beliefs throughout his career. Moreover, he often emphasizes Christian values in both his public statements and legal actions. He has consistently supported religious freedom and faith-based initiatives. For example, he has defended Christian groups and opposed policies he views as limiting religious expression. Additionally, Paxton has encouraged prayer in public settings, including schools, which reflects his faith-driven approach to politics. His religion plays a significant role in shaping his conservative views and policies.
Ken Paxton Political Party
Ken is a member of the Republican Party and has been a prominent Texas conservative for decades. Moreover, he consistently supports Republican policies on taxation, business, and federal-state relations. He aligns closely with conservative leaders and former President Donald Trump, emphasizing limited government and traditional values. Additionally, Paxton’s party affiliation influences his legal actions and political campaigns, including his 2026 U.S. Senate run. His Republican identity remains central to his public image and voter base in Texas.
Ken Paxton Policies
Ken Paxton’s policies focus on border security, election integrity, tax cuts, and conservative values. During his 2026 U.S. Senate campaign, he pledged to support President Donald Trump’s America First agenda and strengthen immigration enforcement. He also backed completing the border wall and increasing deportations of undocumented immigrants. Additionally, Paxton strongly supports election integrity measures, including the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration. He argues that such policies protect fair elections and voter confidence. Furthermore, Paxton advocates lower taxes, reduced federal spending, expanded domestic energy production, and support for American manufacturing. He also promotes Second Amendment rights, pro-life policies, and a pro-growth regulatory framework for cryptocurrency innovation.
Ken Paxton’s Impeachment
Ken Paxton was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives in 2023 over allegations of bribery and abuse of office. Moreover, the impeachment highlighted concerns about his legal conduct as Texas Attorney General. However, the Texas Senate later acquitted him, allowing Paxton to remain in office. Additionally, the impeachment did not prevent his 2026 U.S. Senate campaign, and he continues to maintain a strong conservative base. The episode remains a significant moment in Paxton’s political career.
Ken Paxton Salary
What is the salary of Ken Paxton?
Ken earns an annual salary of approximately $153,750 as the Texas Attorney General. Moreover, he may receive additional benefits and allowances. His compensation reflects his leadership role and responsibilities in managing state legal affairs and high-profile lawsuits across Texas.
Ken Paxton Net Worth
Ken Paxton’s estimated net worth is around $4 million. Moreover, his wealth comes from his career as a lawyer, politician, and investments. Additionally, his long tenure as Texas Attorney General and involvement in business ventures contributed significantly to his financial standing.
