Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton enters the general election for U.S. Senate under renewed scrutiny, as his long record of legal and political controversies becomes a central issue in his matchup with Democratic nominee James Talarico. Paxton secured the Republican nomination after a hard-fought runoff, buoyed by support from former President Donald Trump, despite years of scandals that have shadowed his political career. Democrats have moved quickly to make Paxton’s record a focal point of the race, calling him “the most corrupt politician in America,” while Republicans argue the attacks are

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton enters the general election for U.S. Senate under renewed scrutiny, as his long record of legal and political controversies becomes a central issue in his matchup with Democratic nominee James Talarico.

Paxton secured the Republican nomination after a hard-fought runoff, buoyed by support from former President Donald Trump, despite years of scandals that have shadowed his political career.

Democrats have moved quickly to make Paxton’s record a focal point of the race, calling him “the most corrupt politician in America,” while Republicans argue the attacks are politically motivated and emphasize his aggressive conservative legal agenda.

Longstanding legal battles

Paxton’s controversies stretch back to shortly after he took office in 2015, when he was indicted on felony securities fraud charges related to allegations that he misled investors before becoming attorney general. The case lasted nearly a decade before ending in a 2024 agreement requiring community service and restitution, without a formal conviction.

He also faced a civil enforcement action by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which was dismissed in 2016.

Whistleblower fallout

In 2020, several senior aides accused Paxton of abusing his office to benefit a political donor, prompting FBI scrutiny and internal turmoil within the Texas Attorney General’s office. Four former deputies were later fired and filed a whistleblower lawsuit under Texas law.

In 2025, a state court ruled that the aides were improperly terminated and awarded them millions in damages, though Paxton later dropped an appeal as he launched his Senate campaign.

The allegations fueled broader political consequences, becoming central to efforts by Democrats and some Republicans to remove him from office.

Impeachment and acquittal

In 2023, the Texas House of Representatives voted to impeach Paxton on multiple charges, including corruption and bribery. The case centered in part on claims tied to his relationship with political donor Nate Paul.

However, the Texas Senate acquitted him of all articles after a trial, allowing Paxton to remain in office. The outcome came after strong political pressure from allies, including Donald Trump, who criticized GOP lawmakers involved in the impeachment effort.

Personal allegations and political impact

Paxton has also faced allegations of infidelity, including claims raised during the impeachment process and in divorce filings by his wife, Texas state Senator Angela Paxton. He has generally denied wrongdoing or declined to address the claims in detail on the campaign trail.

During the Republican primary, rival campaigns attempted to elevate these controversies, while Paxton countered by highlighting personal testimonials from family members and focusing on cultural and ideological issues.

A defining Senate battle ahead

As the Texas Senate race begins in earnest, Paxton’s record is expected to remain a central line of attack for Democrats, particularly James Talarico, who has framed the contest as a fight over ethics and accountability in government.

Republicans, meanwhile, are expected to emphasize Paxton’s legal victories, his conservative policy positions, and his alignment with Donald Trump’s political movement.

The race is shaping up as one of the most closely watched and contentious Senate contests in the United States.

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