Media Groups Challenge Texas AG Ken Paxton's Bid to Keep Divorce Records Secret

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's Divorce Records at Center of Media Battle A group of eight state and national media organizations is seeking to unseal records from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's divorce case, arguing that the documents are of public interest. The organizations filed a plea to intervene with the Collin County district court handling the Paxtons' case on Tuesday. The filing requests that the court reverse a July decision to seal the records, citing that they are essential for understanding Paxton's personal life and potential conflicts of interest. ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power, is among the organizations leading the charge. "We believe that the public has a right to know about the personal lives of their elected officials, especially when it comes to matters like divorce," said a spokesperson for ProPublica. "This information can provide valuable context and help Texans make informed decisions about their leaders." Paxton's office declined to comment on the matter, but his lawyer argued that sealing the records was necessary to protect the couple's children from media scrutiny. "The court's decision to seal the records was a reasonable one, given the sensitive nature of the case," said Paxton's lawyer. "We believe that the public has no legitimate interest in these documents." The controversy surrounding Paxton's divorce is not new. The Attorney General's bid for a U.S. Senate seat has raised questions about his personal life and potential conflicts of interest. In 2020, Paxton was indicted on securities fraud charges, which he denies. His wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, has been a vocal supporter of her husband throughout the ordeal. The media organizations argue that unsealing the records will provide transparency and help Texans understand the Attorney General's personal life. They also point out that similar cases in the past have resulted in public disclosure of divorce records. "The public has a right to know about the personal lives of their elected officials, especially when it comes to matters like divorce," said Lauren McGaughy, a reporter for The Texas Newsroom. "This information can provide valuable context and help Texans make informed decisions about their leaders." The case is ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for later this month. A decision on whether to unseal the records is expected soon. Background: Paxton's divorce case has been ongoing since 2022. The couple's lawyers have argued that sealing the records was necessary to protect the children from media scrutiny. However, the media organizations argue that the public has a right to know about the Attorney General's personal life and potential conflicts of interest. Additional Perspectives: Some critics argue that unsealing the records would be an invasion of Paxton's privacy. "This is a private matter between two individuals," said one critic. "The public has no business knowing about their divorce." However, others argue that transparency is essential in government. "As elected officials, they should expect scrutiny and accountability," said another critic. Current Status: The case is ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for later this month. A decision on whether to unseal the records is expected soon. *Reporting by Propublica.*