Texas Values, a group promoting family and Judeo-Christian principles, has decided to halt its support for Attorney General Ken Paxton's campaign for the U.S. Senate, as the Houston Chronicle reports.

This decision follows the surprising announcement of divorce proceedings initiated by state Sen. Angela Paxton, who accuses her husband of adultery, significantly impacting Ken Paxton's political aspirations.

Angela Paxton, a Republican state senator from North Texas, filed for divorce, citing "biblical grounds and recent discoveries" to substantiate an apparent claim of adultery against Ken Paxton.

This high-profile separation has sent ripples through the conservative political landscape, with many weighing in on its potential repercussions.

Unexpected shift in political dynamics

Texas Values expressed dissatisfaction with the Paxton campaign's response to inquiries about the divorce situation. Group President Jonathan Saenz remarked that adultery is a grave concern for the institution of marriage, signaling the organization's clear stance.

Adding to the drama, the National Republican Senatorial Committee openly criticized Ken Paxton for his personal misconduct.

Joanna Rodriquez, NRSC's communications director, condemned his behavior, stating that no one should endure Angela Paxton's predicament, offering prayers for her strength.

Meanwhile, a pro-John Cornyn super PAC, Texans for a Conservative Majority, seized the moment to describe the divorce as a "tectonic shift" in the Senate race. The PAC wasted no time in launching television ads bolstering the incumbent Cornyn's campaign, intensifying the evolving political contest.

Impact on Paxon's Senate bid unfolds

In sync with other critics, Cornyn's campaign released a digital advertisement highlighting the divorce upheaval and branding Ken Paxton as an "onion" of corruption. This metaphor alludes to layers of alleged misconduct surrounding the senator, tapping into a narrative of ongoing scandal.

In contrast to the criticism, though, Paxton's campaign witnessed a surprising financial boost, recording its second-best fundraising day coinciding with the divorce filing. Despite the controversy, support seems to persist within sections of the GOP base.

Rep. Troy Nehls voiced support for Ken Paxton, challenging the idea that a divorce should disqualify a candidate from serving in Congress.

He remarked that many politicians have experienced marital turbulence without it adversely affecting their public service eligibility.

Reactions with GOP emerge

Criticism has also been leveled at Angela Paxton for her decision to end the marriage after nearly four decades. Yet, she maintains that staying in it doesn't honor her personal values and responsibilities to her children or Ken.

The highly competitive primary race for Senator John Cornyn's seat has seen Ken Paxton consistently polling ahead in recent months. However, the impact of the divorce on voter sentiment remains uncertain as the landscape shifts.

Speculation about other GOP candidates potentially entering the ring has surrounded Texas Reps. Wesley Hunt and Ronny Jackson, adding further intrigue to the election scenario.

Trump's pick awaited

President Donald Trump has chosen to stay neutral regarding the Paxton-Cornyn face-off. By withholding an endorsement, Trump has introduced further unpredictability into the mix.

He did express a wish that these two candidates were not running against each other, with many suspecting that a decision on which to endorse may emerge later.

As events continue to unfold, Ken Paxton's U.S. Senate campaign faces mounting hurdles in light of personal and political challenges. Observers are keenly watching how these developments will shape the trajectory of his bid.