Ken Paxton
Ken Paxton is an American lawyer and Republican politician who has served as the 51st attorney general of Texas since January 2015.
Ken Paxton is an American lawyer and Republican politician who has served as the 51st attorney general of Texas since January 2015. He is known for his conservative legal agenda, repeated lawsuits against federal policies, and high-profile political and legal controversies. In 2025–2026, he ran for the U.S. Senate in Texas.
Early life and education
Paxton was born in Minot, North Dakota, while his father was stationed at Minot Air Force Base. He later studied at Baylor University and earned a law degree from the University of Virginia.
Political career
Paxton served in the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate before being elected attorney general of Texas in 2014. He has held the office since January 2015.
Attorney generalship
As attorney general, Paxton has pursued an aggressive litigation strategy, often challenging federal government actions and advancing conservative policy positions. His office has made him one of Texas politics' most prominent figures.
Legal and political controversies
Paxton has faced long-running legal scrutiny, including securities fraud allegations and a 2023 impeachment by the Texas House. He remained in office after the Texas Senate acquitted him.
U.S. Senate campaign
Paxton entered Texas's 2026 Republican Senate primary, seeking to replace incumbent John Cornyn. His campaign elevated his profile beyond state office and made him a national Republican figure.
Key facts
- Paxton was elected attorney general of Texas in 2014 and took office in January 2015.
- He was re-elected in 2018 and 2022.
- Paxton was impeached by the Texas House in 2023, but the Texas Senate acquitted him later that year.
- He became a U.S. Senate candidate in Texas during the 2026 Republican primary cycle.
- He is closely associated with conservative litigation against abortion rights, transgender policies, and federal regulations.
Paxton is primarily a U.S. state-level political figure, but his lawsuits and positions on abortion, transgender rights, and federal regulation have been followed by Canadian readers interested in U.S. politics and legal trends.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Office of the Attorney General of Texas — https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/about-officeSupports: Paxton as the 51st attorney general of Texas; election and swearing-in dates; re-elections
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ken-PaxtonSupports: Biography, birth date and place, education, party, and political role
- National Association of Attorneys General — https://www.naag.org/attorney-general/ken-paxton/Supports: Birth details and attorney general role
- The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/26/us/politics/ken-paxton-republican-senate-candidate.htmlSupports: 2026 Senate primary campaign and runoff outcome; background controversies
- Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Ken_PaxtonSupports: Current office, term end, and political background
- Vote Smart — https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/49425/ken-paxton-jrSupports: Full name and attorney general service history