AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton, the wife of Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, filed for divorce on Thursday, seeking to end 38 years of marriage as her husband campaigns for the U.S. Senate.
Angela Paxton had stuck by her husband through a decade of legal troubles that included state and federal corruption investigations and a 2023 state impeachment trial that publicly exposed his extramarital affair.
A state securities fraud indictment against Ken Paxton was recently dismissed after a 2024 plea deal to pay restitution and complete community service, and the federal justice department dropped a corruption probe earlier this year. His 2023 impeachment trial ended with his full acquittal.
A fierce and vocal ally of President Donald Trump, Ken Paxton was first elected state attorney general in 2014 and is now campaigning to unseat long-time Sen. John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary.
Angela Paxton, who stood by her husband during the impeachment trial, cited “recent discoveries” in her announcement on social media that she had filed for divorce.
“Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds,” Angela Paxton posted on X. "I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation. But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage.
“I move forward with complete confidence that God is always working everything together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose,” she wrote.
Ken Paxton later posted his own statement asking for prayers and privacy.
”After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives," Ken Paxton posted on X. “I could not be any more proud or grateful for the incredible family that God has blessed us with, and I remain committed to supporting our amazing children and grandchildren.”
Angela and Ken Paxton had been central figures in each other's rise in Texas politics. A former high school teacher and guidance counselor, Angela Paxton used to play guitar and sing, “I'm a pistol-packin' mama, and my husband sues Obama,” at his campaign events and Republican clubs across the state.
When it came time for Angela Paxton to launch her own political career, a $2 million loan from her husband propelled her to a narrow victory for a state Senate seat in the booming Dallas suburbs. Once elected, she filed bills to expand his office’s powers, and approved budgets over his state agency and salary.
As a state senator, Angela Paxton attended all two weeks of the impeachment trial proceedings and testimony, including one dramatic moment when a woman was called to publicly testify about an affair she had with Ken Paxton. The woman ultimately never took the witness stand, but her relationship with Ken Paxton was central to a case that accused him of going to potentially criminal lengths to help a local real estate developer who was under FBI investigation at the time.
Angela Paxton was not allowed to vote on the verdict that ultimately acquitted her husband of all charges.
FILE - Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, wife of impeached state Attorney General Ken Paxton, sits in the Senate Chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas, May 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
FILE - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, walks with his wife and Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton on the sideline before an NCAA college football game between Navy and SMU in Dallas, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
ADA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 6, 2026--
LegalShield has appointed Anthony Conte as chief financial officer, adding a seasoned finance and operations leader to its executive team as the company continues to strengthen its foundation for long-term growth.
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Conte brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across high-growth and complex organizations, with deep expertise in financial strategy, operational leadership, business scaling and transformation. He has served in both CFO and COO roles and has helped lead businesses through significant growth, performance improvement and organizational change.
In his new role, Conte will oversee LegalShield’s finance organization and support the company’s continued focus on disciplined growth, operational strength and long-term value creation.
“Anthony brings the right mix of financial discipline, operating experience and leadership for this next chapter at LegalShield,” said Warren Schlichting, CEO of LegalShield. “He has helped guide organizations through growth and complexity, and he understands how to build on a strong foundation while respecting the people and culture that make a company work. We’re excited to welcome him to the team.”
Conte most recently served as a CFO adviser to growth-stage and middle-market companies through his work with Sagedog Advisors. Before that, he was chief financial officer of Savvas Learning Co., a national education technology and content company. He also served as chief operating officer of Wizeline, where he helped improve operating performance and drive growth across the business.
Earlier in his career, Conte spent more than a decade at EPAM Systems in senior finance leadership roles, including chief financial officer. During his time there, he helped scale the company from approximately $60 million in revenue to $1.4 billion and supported its initial public offering.
“LegalShield has built something meaningful by making legal services more accessible and affordable for everyday people,” Conte said. “I’m excited to join the team, learn the business and help build on the strong foundation already in place.”
Conte joins LegalShield during an important leadership transition as longtime CFO Steve Williamson prepares to retire after more than 25 years with the company, including more than 20 years in the CFO role. Williamson has played an active role in the transition and will remain involved to support onboarding and help ensure a smooth handoff.
“Steve has meant a great deal to LegalShield over many years, and his leadership has helped shape this company in lasting ways,” Schlichting said. “We’re grateful for his steady hand, his partnership throughout this transition and his commitment to setting Anthony and LegalShield up for success.”
About LegalShield
For more than 50 years, LegalShield has provided everyday Americans with easy and affordable access to legal advice, counsel, protection and representation. Serving millions of individuals, families and businesses across North America, LegalShield offers legal services through LegalShield and identity and reputation management services through IDShield. Founded in 1972, LegalShield has helped individuals, families, businesses and employers gain access to the tools and services they need to live with greater security and confidence. Through technology and innovation, LegalShield is transforming how and where people receive legal guidance and services by connecting them with hundreds of qualified, trusted attorneys and law firms. LegalShield and IDShield are products of Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc. To learn more, visit LegalShield.com and IDShield.com.
LegalShield Appoints Anthony Conte Chief Financial Officer
