'Submit to your husband!' Pastor scolds wife of AG Ken Paxton over shock divorce

A far-right pastor from Prescott, Arizona, laid into Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton on Friday, following her explosive announcement that she was divorcing state Attorney General Ken Paxton on "biblical grounds."

As far as Dale Partridge was concerned, it wasn't biblical at all for her to be working outside the home in the first place.

"This was caused by complementarianism," wrote Partridge on X. "God did not design or permit women to rule over households, let alone entire states. So, we have a Senator who is: Often gone from her home and her bed; Slandering her husband publicly; Claiming the divorce is for 'loving self'; Farming sympathy online."

"I’m not saying her husband hasn’t sinned (even grievously), but this screams 'I’m a closet feminist and my husband won’t do what I want!'" wrote Partridge. "Unfortunately, it seems no pastor was willing to tell her: 'Step out of public office, go home, love and submit to your husband, love your kids, and try again.' I know it’s more complicated than this but biblical patriarchy prevents the family chaos that often results in divorce."

Details of the reason for the divorce have still not been released; however, rumors have swirled that it likely involves adultery, as this is the most classically citied "biblical" reason for divorce, and Ken Paxton is known to have been accused of adultery as part of the complicated public corruption charges behind his impeachment and ultimate acquittal two years ago. His wife stuck by him at the time.

All of this comes as Paxton mounts a high-profile primary challenge against Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), which the GOP Senate caucus has been frantic to fend off. After the divorce was announced, the National Republican Senatorial Committee issued a statement reading, "What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting. No one should have to endure what Angela Paxton has, and we pray for her as she chooses to stand up for herself and her family during this difficult time."