Media Outlets Challenge Texas AG Ken Paxton to Unseal Divorce Records

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's Divorce Records at Center of Media Battle A group of eight state and national media organizations, including ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, have filed a court motion to unseal records in the divorce case of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The move comes as Paxton seeks re-election and has announced his candidacy for a U.S. Senate seat. The media outlets argue that the records are of public interest, citing the high-profile nature of Paxton's office and his bid for federal office. In their filing, they contend that sealing the records would undermine transparency and hinder the public's right to know about matters involving the state's top law enforcement official. "We believe it is essential for the public to have access to this information," said Lauren McGaughy, a reporter with The Texas Newsroom, one of the organizations involved in the case. "As Attorney General, Ken Paxton has taken positions on numerous high-profile cases and policies, and his personal life should not be shielded from scrutiny." In July, Collin County District Court Judge Andrea Plummer sealed the records at the request of Paxton's lawyers, citing concerns about the impact on his children. However, the media organizations argue that this decision was premature and that sealing the records would set a bad precedent for future cases. "This is not just about Ken Paxton; it's about the principle of transparency in government," said David McCraw, an attorney representing ProPublica. "If we allow public officials to seal their personal records from scrutiny, it undermines the very foundation of our democracy." The case has drawn attention due to Paxton's high-profile status and his role as a leading advocate for conservative causes in Texas. His divorce proceedings have been ongoing since 2022. In response to the media organizations' filing, Paxton's office released a statement saying that the Attorney General is committed to transparency but also recognizes the need to protect sensitive information about his children. "We understand the public's interest in this matter, but we must balance that with our responsibility as parents," said a spokesperson for Paxton. "We will continue to work with the court to ensure that any records released are done so in a way that protects the best interests of our family." The case is currently pending before Collin County District Court Judge Andrea Plummer, who sealed the records in July. A hearing on the media organizations' motion to intervene and unseal the records has been scheduled for October 2025. In addition to ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, other organizations involved in the case include The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Houston Chronicle, among others. *Reporting by Propublica.*