Texas Republican U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton is facing renewed political scrutiny after being photographed traveling to Iceland with Tracy Duhon, the woman widely reported in multiple news outlets to have had a longstanding romantic relationship with him while he remains legally married to State Sen. Angela Paxton. The overseas vacation comes just days before Independence Day and during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, giving Democrats fresh ammunition in one of the country’s most closely watched Senate races.
Tracy Duhon is a Christian author, social media influencer and nonprofit founder who has been identified in multiple published reports as Ken Paxton’s longtime romantic partner. Duhon, 57, is the mother of seven children and was previously married to Louisiana businessman Troy Duhon. Published reports have stated that Paxton and Duhon met at the 2024 Kentucky Derby and later began a relationship that became the subject of intense public scrutiny during Paxton’s tenure as Texas attorney general. Duhon’s divorce was finalized in August 2025. Earlier this year, Paxton’s wife, Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton, announced she had filed for divorce, citing biblical grounds. A scheduled divorce trial was later canceled as both sides moved toward a legal settlement.
Photographs and video first published by the Daily Mail show Paxton and Duhon departing Washington Dulles International Airport before arriving together in Reykjavík, Iceland. According to published reports, the pair flew economy and were later seen together after landing. Paxton’s campaign has not publicly commented on the images.
The timing of the trip quickly became part of the political conversation. The Texas Democratic Party criticized Paxton for vacationing overseas while many Texans continue struggling with rising housing costs, grocery prices and other everyday expenses.
Biblical Grounds and Recent Discoveries
The Iceland trip also renews attention on Paxton’s personal controversies. Angela Paxton filed for divorce in 2025, citing “biblical grounds” and “recent discoveries.” Court filings and previous reporting have connected Tracy Duhon to the breakdown of the marriage, though Paxton has not publicly addressed the nature of their relationship.
The renewed attention comes after Paxton and Duhon were photographed and recorded traveling together through Washington Dulles International Airport before departing for Reykjavík, Iceland. The images quickly circulated online and fueled criticism from political opponents, who argued the overseas vacation came at a pivotal point in Texas’ U.S. Senate race.
Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico issued the following statement:
Ken Paxton was impeached for taking bribes from donors. He became a multi-millionaire on a government salary. He takes lavish vacations in Iceland while Texans can’t afford the basics. Ken Paxton doesn’t serve us — he serves himself.
Abuse of Office and Bribery
The vacation follows years of legal and ethical controversies surrounding Paxton. In 2023, the Texas House impeached him on multiple articles alleging abuse of office, bribery-related conduct and misuse of public office. The Texas Senate later acquitted him on all impeachment articles, allowing him to remain attorney general. Paxton has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Paxton’s Wealth
Questions surrounding Paxton’s personal wealth have also become part of the campaign. Talarico has repeatedly pointed to Paxton’s financial success while serving in public office, arguing that the attorney general became a multi-millionaire while drawing a government salary.
The controversy arrives as polling indicates the race between Paxton and Talarico has tightened significantly. Recent surveys have shown the two candidates running essentially even, making character, ethics, public trust and leadership increasingly important issues heading toward November.
As one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races moves toward Election Day, the images of Paxton vacationing in Iceland with the woman tied to longstanding affair reports have added another issue for Texas voters to weigh alongside each candidate’s record, priorities and vision for the state.
