Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

question everything

(52,388 posts)
Thu Oct 9, 2025, 06:20 PM Oct 2025

How Ken Paxton, a Rising MAGA Star, Got Rich as a Texas Politician

AUSTIN, Texas—Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton went from being a middle-class lawyer to a multimillionaire during his two decades on a public official’s salary, according to thousands of pages of previously unreported documents that shed new light on the personal finances of one of the Republican Party’s most-watched midterm candidates.

Paxton, who entered state government in 2003 with a modest income and few assets, by 2018 told a lender he had amassed a net worth of about $5.5 million, not including millions in assets he and his wife had previously moved into a blind trust.

The following year, Paxton reaped an additional $2.2 million gain—never previously disclosed—from his investment in a local company with a lucrative Texas state contract, according to the documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, which include Paxton’s tax returns and bank statements.

Paxton’s accumulation of wealth has become a key campaign issue as he vies to unseat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in a hotly contested Republican primary set for March 3, 2026. The race is crucial to Republicans’ hopes to hold on to their Senate majority. Paxton is popular with the party’s base, but national GOP strategists fear his nomination could cost them in a general election.

More..

https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/texas-ken-paxton-attorney-general-millionaire-a3be9c94?st=91Sn3j&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

free

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
How Ken Paxton, a Rising MAGA Star, Got Rich as a Texas Politician (Original Post) question everything Oct 2025 OP
If you aren't rich when you are elected....you will be afterwards. Paxton is more corrupt walkingman Oct 2025 #1
Hope he was honest on home loan apps. multigraincracker Oct 2025 #2

walkingman

(11,153 posts)
1. If you aren't rich when you are elected....you will be afterwards. Paxton is more corrupt
Thu Oct 9, 2025, 06:23 PM
Oct 2025

than your average politician.

Kick in to the DU tip jar?

This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.

As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.

Tell me more...

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»How Ken Paxton, a Rising ...