AG’s wife considering bid for state Senate
Paxton may seek the same office husband once had
AUSTIN — Angela Paxton is known for singing political jingles at campaign events for her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, but now she’s thinking she wants to be the candidate, sources close to her say.
Angela Paxton is considering a run for state Senate District 8, which is now held by outgoing Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano. Taylor plans to run for Congress.
It’s the same Senate seat her husband was elected to in 2012 before advancing during the next election cycle to the attorney general’s office in 2014.
Angela Paxton, a guidance counselor at Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco, grabbed attention in 2015 with a song she wrote and performed that included the line, “I’m a pistol packin’ momma and my husband sues Obama.”
Jordan Berry, a campaign strategist and close friend of the Paxtons, confirmed her interest in running but said she has not announced her candidacy. He said he has not been hired on to any potential campaign for her. Efforts to reach her were not successful. Phillip Huffines, a Highland Park businessman and chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party, has said he’ll run for the open seat, although he will have to move into Collin County. He, too, has family serving in state government — his brother is Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas.
Angela Paxton is considered one of her husband’s closest political advisers, shares his conservative values and is involved in Republican circles.
Ken Paxton also is expected to be on the ballot in 2018 in an expected bid for re-election. He is currently under indictment for securities fraud and is expected to face trial in December.