Despite having hundreds of attorneys on staff, Ken Paxton frequently opts to hire private lawyers. One cost taxpayers more than $24,000 in one day.

Documents reviewed by the AP show the Paxtons hold mortgages on three homes — one in suburban Dallas, two in Austin — that are each listed as their primary residence. The designation comes with a considerable financial upside.

Paxton, a Republican, is challenging John Cornyn for his seat in the U.S. Senate while undergoing divorce proceedings with his wife, Angela.