Angela Paxton considering bid for state Senate 'Pistol-packin mama' shares GOP values with husband Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, right, and his wife, Angela Paxton, pose for a portrait Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, in Austin. ( Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle ) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, right, and his wife, Angela Paxton, pose for a portrait Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, in Austin. ( Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Jon Shapley, Staff Photo: Jon Shapley, Staff Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Angela Paxton considering bid for state Senate 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN -- Angela Paxton is known for singing political jingles at campaign events for her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, but now she's thinking she wants to be the candidate, sources close to her say.

Angela Paxton, wife of the high-ranking tea party Republican, is considering a run for state Senate District 8, which is now held by outgoing Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano. Taylor plans to vacate that seat and run for Congress.

It's the same Senate seat her husband was elected to in 2012 before advancing during the next election cycle to the attorney general's office in 2014.

Angela Paxton, a guidance counselor at Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco, grabbed attention in 2015 with a song she wrote and performed that included the line, "I'm a pistol packin' momma and my husband sues Obama."

Jordan Berry, a campaign strategist and close friend of the Paxtons, confirmed her interest in running, but said she has not announced her candidacy. He said he has not been hired onto any potential campaign for her, but said she was unavailable for comment Tuesday.

Phillip Huffines, a Highland Park businessman and chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party, has said he'll run for the open seat, although he will have to move into Collin County. He, too, has family serving in state government -- his brother is Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas.

Angela Paxton is considered one of her husband's closest political advisers, shares his conservative values and is involved in Republican circles.

Ken Paxton is also expected to be on the ballot in 2018 in an expected bid for re-election to the attorney general's office. He is currently under indictment for securities fraud and is expected to face trial in December.

Andrea Zelinski covers politics and education for the Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Send her tips at andrea.zelinski@chron.com.