Texas state Rep. Angela Paxton has urged a group of conservative women to continue voting for Republican candidates even when they are unhappy with individual members of the party, in remarks that marked her first public comments on her estranged husband Ken Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign.

Speaking at a meeting of the Texas Federation of Republican Women, Angela Paxton said voters should consider the broader consequences of their choices and argued that political parties and their candidates should not be viewed as completely separate.

She told the group that Republicans have greater influence over a Senate seat when it remains under Republican control, even when voters are frustrated with a particular candidate.

Angela Paxton has largely avoided commenting publicly on her estranged husband’s Senate campaign. Ken Paxton filed for divorce from her in July 2025, citing what he described as “biblical grounds” and accusing her of adultery.

The couple’s personal separation has unfolded alongside a closely watched Republican Senate primary and general-election campaign in Texas. Ken Paxton defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary and is now running against Democratic nominee James Talarico.

Angela Paxton previously encouraged Texas voters to participate in the Republican primary through a social media post, but she did not publicly endorse or mention Ken Paxton’s Senate bid at the time.

Recent polling shows a close contest between Talarico and Paxton. The Texas Politics Project’s polling tracker, updated September 23, listed a Marist poll conducted September 17–20 that found Talarico with 50% support among registered voters compared with 44% for Paxton. A Texas Southern University/YouGov poll conducted September 15–19 had Talarico at 47% and Paxton at 46% among likely voters.

Ken Paxton’s campaign has also faced renewed scrutiny over controversies from his time as Texas attorney general. He was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 over allegations including abuse of office and other misconduct, but the Texas Senate acquitted him in 2023.

The Senate contest has attracted significant national attention and campaign spending as both parties compete for the seat currently held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn.

Angela Paxton’s comments came as Republican groups seek to maintain support for their nominee while Democratic groups continue campaigning for Talarico. The race remains closely contested, with recent surveys showing differences within the margin of error in several polls.

Neither Ken Paxton’s campaign nor Angela Paxton’s office immediately responded to The Hill’s request for comment.

SOURCE: The Hill, Mira Bhakta, September 23, 2026.