Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has drawn scrutiny for his extensive out-of-state travel and the associated costs to taxpayers, an issue that has taken on greater significance amid his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Since taking office over 11 years ago, Paxton has frequently traveled beyond Texas, with records showing more than 275 out-of-state trips, including destinations such as California’s wine country, Caribbean resorts, and European locales. These trips have resulted in security expenses of nearly $1.9 million charged to Texas taxpayers.
An analysis of Paxton’s official calendars reveals a marked increase in blank workdays in recent years, with over 90 days unaccounted for in 2021 and reaching 112 days in 2024. This trend contrasts with the early years of his tenure, which featured a more consistent record of official duties. Texas does not require the attorney general to disclose his daily whereabouts, and detailed explanations of many trips are not publicly available. However, reimbursements for security travel outside Texas rose sharply, from roughly $30,000 in 2015 to nearly $400,000 last year.
Critics have questioned whether Paxton’s travel reflects a diminished focus on his official responsibilities. Joshua Blank, director of research for the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, suggested the pattern could raise concerns among voters about Paxton’s commitment to his role. This criticism has become a focal point in the Senate race, with Democratic opponent James Talarico criticizing Paxton for spending holidays abroad and prioritizing his position in former President Donald Trump’s political movement over local Texas issues.
Paxton’s travel schedule has also intersected with personal controversy. Last year, his primary rival Senator John Cornyn publicized a photo from the Kentucky Derby showing Paxton with a woman identified as Christian influencer Tracy Duhon, with whom Paxton has reportedly been involved. Paxton’s wife, Texas State Senator Angela Paxton, filed for divorce citing infidelity, though Duhon has not been publicly named in court filings. Neither Paxton nor his campaign has addressed these allegations directly.
Defending the travel, Paxton’s office issued an unsigned statement emphasizing that calendar entries do not capture the full scope of his workload, which includes calls, negotiations, case strategy, and team briefings. The office noted that Paxton’s legal efforts have yielded significant settlements from drug manufacturers and technology companies, activities that sometimes entail travel. Paxton’s security detail is justified, his office said, due to credible threats linked to his prosecutorial activities on behalf of Texas residents.
Throughout his time in office, Paxton has faced ongoing legal and political challenges. He was investigated by the FBI without charges, agreed to pay restitution to settle felony securities allegations, and was impeached but acquitted on accusations of abusing his power and accepting bribes. Despite these controversies, he remains a prominent figure within the conservative base largely due to his close alignment with Trump and his use of his office to advance related political litigation.
Observers note that Paxton’s evolution into a national political figure is reflected in his increasing absences from routine state duties. Former deputies cited during his 2023 impeachment proceedings described him as frequently absent and disengaged from daily operations. Over the past two years, travel reimbursements show trips not only to tourist destinations but also to Israel, India, Taiwan, South Africa, and multiple ski resorts, underscoring the wide geographic range of his travel.
While Texas Republican officials often criticize California’s liberal policies, Paxton has maintained a personal connection with the state, having spent time there since youth and frequently visiting Northern California's wine country. His California trips have cost Texans approximately $180,000, with a single 2024 trip to wine country accounting for more than $14,000 in security expenses.
Paxton’s extensive travel and its funding remain a point of contention as he seeks higher office, raising questions about the balance between his statewide duties, personal endeavors, and national political ambitions.