Ken Paxton Skips America's 250th Birthday to Vacation With Alleged Mistress in England

While most Americans spent the Fourth of July weekend at cookouts, fireworks displays, and hometown parades honoring the nation's 250th birthday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was traveling overseas with his alleged mistress.

Paxton was photographed walking near London's Eye Ferris wheel over the Independence Day holiday alongside Christian influencer Tracy Duhon, Paxton’s alleged mistress. Just days earlier, Paxton and Duhon were seen boarding an economy-class flight from Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport to Reykjavik, Iceland, on Saturday, June 27. Video captured Paxton rubbing Duhon's shoulder while the two rode an airport shuttle after landing. 

Paxton is still legally married to State Sen. Angela Paxton, though the two have been separated for roughly two years. Angela Paxton filed for divorce in July 2025 on "biblical grounds," after reports surfaced about her husband's relationship with Duhon, which he has purportedly carried on for about two years. It marks the second time in two years that infidelity allegations have followed Paxton into headlines.

Paxton's overseas travel is drawing attention in part because of when it happened: the week of America's 250th anniversary, a milestone celebrated with events across Texas and the country. Texas Democratic Party Spokesperson Ryan Martin called the timing out directly in a statement following the England sighting.

"The last place any patriotic Texan would be during the week of America's historic 250th anniversary is vacationing in England," Martin said. "Hardworking Texans are struggling to afford the basics because of Paxton-backed policies, but you won't find Paxton caring — he's off enjoying a lavish European vacation with his mistress."

By contrast, Democratic candidate James Talarico, an Austin state representative and Presbyterian seminarian running against Paxton for the Senate seat, spent the Fourth of July in Texas with country music legend Willie Nelson, posting on social media, "Happy Fourth of July from Willie and me!"

The reports come as Paxton carries a long list of controversies into the campaign, including an FBI investigation, a state securities fraud case, and a near-impeachment by the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature.