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Ken Paxton
REPUBLICAN
Ken Paxton is running for Texas US Senator, Republican Primary.
Personal background
Ken Paxton is originally from an U.S. Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in business administration from Baylor University, along with a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He lives in McKinney, has four kids, and attends Prestonwood Baptist Church.
Professional background
Before taking elected office, Ken was the owner of Ken Paxton Attorney at Law. He also previously worked as an attorney for Strasburger & Price and as a management consultant for a law firm.
Political background
Ken is currently the Texas attorney general. He was first elected in 2014 and is in his third term. He was previously a member of the Texas State Senate. He served one term from 2013 to 2015. He was also previously a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He served five terms from 2003 to 2013.
Economy
Opposes "burdensome" government regulations on businesses.
As Texas Attorney General, demanded Costco "fully repeal its discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) practices."
Supports cutting taxes and reducing "wasteful" government spending.
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Public Safety
Opposes gun control.
As Texas Attorney General, created a division focused on investigating and stopping human trafficking and organized crime.
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Healthcare
Opposes abortion access.
As Texas Attorney General, sued Pfizer for "misleading the public on the COVID-19 vaccine."
As Texas Attorney General, supported holding companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis.
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Education
Supports all Texas schools adopting prayer and bible reading in class in accordance with Senate Bill 11.
As Texas Attorney General, filed a lawsuit that would remove federal protections for special needs students who have gender dysphoria.
Opposes allowing transgender athletes to compete in sports based on their gender identity and "woke indoctrination in our classrooms."
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Energy & the Environment
As Texas Attorney General, led efforts to block the federal “Waters of the United States” rule, which expanded federal control over streams and wetlands, and the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to limit carbon emissions from power plants.
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Voting & Elections
As a member of the Texas Legislature, co-sponsored and defended Texas’s Voter ID law, which requires voters to present specific forms of government-issued photo identification to vote.
As Texas Attorney General, supported a legal challenge to the 2020 presidential election results in four states.
As Texas Attorney General, opposed the Biden administration sending federal election monitors to Texas.
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Foreign Policy and Immigration
Supports deporting undocumented immigrants.
Plans to "advance an America First foreign policy that promotes peace through strength, prioritizes our nation’s interests first and foremost, and ensures the safety of American citizens."
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Ethics & Conduct
The State Bar of Texas, which regulates law licenses in Texas, sued Paxton for attempting to falsely overturn the 2020 presidential election. The charges were ultimately dismissed by the Texas Supreme Court in 2025.
Paxton was previously accused of promoting investments in a technology company without disclosing that he was being paid. The charges were later dropped after he agreed to pay restitution, complete community service, and take ethics courses, without admitting wrongdoing.
During his time as attorney general, Paxton was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives over allegations that he used his office to benefit a political donor. He was later acquitted by the Texas Senate.
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