Ken Paxton Accused of Violating the Same Texas Voter‑Residency Laws He Is Campaigning to Tighten
Recent investigative work by The Texas Tribune and ProPublica has uncovered a potential breach of Texas election law by Attorney General Ken Paxton. The reports indicate that Paxton used an address in Collin County—his former marital home with State Senator Angela Paxton—to register and cast votes in six elections over the last two years, despite moving out of that residence in 2025. This includes the May 2026 primary runoff that secured his place as the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Senator John Cornyn.
Paxton’s own office has long warned voters that it is illegal to misrepresent one’s residence on a voter registration form. In a February press release, the Attorney General’s office stated, “You must register to vote using the address where you reside.” Election lawyers consulted by both outlets say the Attorney General’s conduct may have violated those statutes, which prohibit establishing a false residence for the purpose of influencing election outcomes.
The allegations arrive at a fraught moment for Paxton. The incumbent has already faced impeachment by the Texas House of Representatives—though he was later acquitted by the state Senate—with charges ranging from corruption to securities fraud. He also contends with a divorce filing by his wife, which alleges adultery and confirms that he left the shared home a year prior to the contested votes. While the exact location of Paxton’s current residence remains unclear, public records and a real‑estate listing suggest a home in neighboring Denton County.
Three election‑law experts cited by the reports say Paxton’s actions, if proven, would be a clear violation of Texas statutes that he has repeatedly emphasized as essential to “free and fair elections.” The Attorney General’s own tip line, launched earlier this year to combat voter fraud, underscores the contrast between his campaign rhetoric and the alleged conduct.
Paxton’s campaign has dismissed the findings as a “baseless, lie‑filled tabloid story,” with spokesperson Madison Cercy defending the AG as “a national leader on election integrity.” The campaign has not offered a substantive rebuttal or evidence to counter the claims.
The timing of the report—just 17 weeks before the November election—adds another layer of controversy to an already volatile Senate race. While Democrats have highlighted Paxton’s legal and ethical challenges, Republicans continue to tout his endorsement by former President Donald Trump, who praised Paxton as a “true MAGA warrior.”
Whether the allegations will prompt legal action or affect voter sentiment remains to be seen. However, the convergence of Paxton’s personal scandals, past impeachment attempts, and now a possible violation of the very laws he enforces creates a compelling narrative that could influence the forthcoming election in Texas.
