Texas AG Ken Paxton Claims 3 Homes as Primary Residence Amid Senate Bid

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Faces Scrutiny Over Mortgage and Tax Practices

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his wife, Angela, have long been known for their extensive real estate holdings. The couple owns a $1.5 million house in a gated community outside Dallas, along with two additional homes in Austin. These properties were purchased over the years, but what has recently come to light is that each of these homes was declared as their primary residence on mortgage documents, potentially enabling them to secure lower interest rates.

According to an Associated Press review of public records, this practice may have involved false statements. Legal experts suggest that by misrepresenting their primary residences, the Paxtons could have saved tens of thousands of dollars in mortgage payments over the life of their loans. This issue has sparked concerns about potential violations of lending agreements, as making false statements on mortgage documents is a federal and state crime.

The situation has taken on political dimensions, especially as Paxton seeks to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary. His actions are being scrutinized in the context of the Trump administration's focus on mortgage fraud allegations against Democrats, including Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James. While Trump has accused these individuals of mortgage fraud, legal experts argue that the circumstances differ significantly from those involving the Paxtons.

Paxton, a staunch Trump ally, has publicly called for investigations into James, suggesting that if she has done something wrong, she should be held accountable. However, it remains unclear whether the Justice Department or other agencies will extend similar scrutiny to Paxton. His office is one of the primary agencies responsible for investigating mortgage fraud, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Multiple Properties Listed as Primary Residences

Documents reviewed by the AP show that the Paxtons hold mortgages on three homes—two in Austin and one in suburban Dallas—that are all listed as their primary residence. This designation typically comes with financial benefits, as interest rates for primary homes are significantly lower than those for secondary homes or investment properties.

The family’s home in Dallas is where they have lived for years, and it is also where Ken Paxton registered to vote. It is located in the state Senate district represented by Angela Paxton, who previously held the seat before Ken took over as attorney general in 2014. The home was even mentioned on Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign website until recently.

Legal experts emphasize that proving a case against Paxton would require establishing that he was aware of the false information in the mortgage documents and that he knowingly misrepresented his primary residence. Some suggest that the lenders may have prepared the documents, but given Paxton’s background as an attorney and top law enforcement officer, he should have been more vigilant.

Homestead Tax Breaks and Rental Violations

In 2018, the Paxtons collected homestead property tax breaks on both their Dallas home and a $1.1 million home in Austin. This tax break is intended for a single primary residence, and officials at the Travis Central Appraisal District stated that the benefit transferred from a previous owner to the Paxtons for the remainder of that year.

Separately, land records indicate that the Paxtons may have violated the terms of at least two mortgages. A home in College Station, Texas, was listed as not to be rented out, yet it has been available for rent since 2022. Similarly, a luxury cabin in Oklahoma that Paxton owns was declared off-limits for rental use, but it is currently listed on Airbnb and other short-term rental sites.

Political Challenges and Legal History

Paxton’s real estate dealings are not the first time he has faced scrutiny. Before becoming attorney general, he admitted to violating Texas securities law in 2014 and paid a fine. He spent nearly a decade under state indictment on securities charges, which were eventually dropped in 2024. In 2023, he was impeached by the Texas House for alleged misconduct, though he was acquitted by the Senate.

Angela Paxton did not participate in his impeachment trial and recently filed for divorce, citing infidelity and other “recent discoveries.” Her decision to leave the marriage came amid ongoing controversy surrounding Paxton’s relationship with real estate developer Nate Paul, who pleaded guilty to making false statements to a financial institution.

Paul’s legal troubles include claims of conspiracy to steal $200 million from his properties, and Paxton’s office was accused of aiding him through legal opinions and interference in foreclosure lawsuits. Additionally, Paul reportedly employed a woman with whom Paxton had an affair and paid for renovations to the attorney general’s Austin home.

This history raises further questions about Paxton’s conduct, particularly as he continues to face allegations of mortgage fraud and other ethical violations. As the political landscape shifts, the scrutiny on his personal and professional decisions is likely to intensify.