GOP’s Wesley Hunt Launches U.S. Senate Campaign in Texas

Representative Wesley Hunt, a Republican from Houston, has officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Texas, intensifying an already competitive race. Hunt’s entry into the Republican primary adds another layer to a contest already heating up between two prominent figures in Texas politics: Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Wesley Hunt’s Strong Position

A former Army captain and two-term congressman, Hunt is 43 years old and has been preparing for this move for several months. While he maintained a distance from the Cornyn-Paxton rivalry over the summer, Hunt garnered considerable attention with approximately $6 million invested in statewide advertisements aimed at boosting his visibility.

Support and Backlash

• Hunt’s allies argue he can attract a larger portion of the MAGA constituency than Cornyn while avoiding the controversies associated with Paxton.
• In a statement, Hunt emphasized that the race should focus on issues rather than personal conflicts, stating, “This race will finally be about what’s most important: Texas.”

However, Hunt’s campaign has met with skepticism from some Republican leaders. Prominent supporters of Cornyn, including adviser Matt Mackowiak, criticized Hunt’s candidacy as a distraction that could harm the Republican agenda. Additionally, the Senate Leadership Fund, which backs Cornyn, echoed these sentiments, implying that Hunt’s campaign could bolster Democratic chances in the general election.

The Political Landscape

Hunt’s entry into the race has been well-received by the Paxton campaign, which welcomed the competition, arguing that primaries enrich the political landscape. Paxton’s adviser pointed out that Texas voters deserve options beyond Cornyn’s record, which has faced backlash for his bipartisan actions, particularly a gun safety bill signed in 2022.

Polling and Public Opinion

As the race heats up, recent polls indicate tightening competition. Cornyn, a seasoned senator with 23 years of experience, has seen his lead wane, with some surveys showing him and Paxton in a close fight. Conversely, Hunt remains in the third position, but some polls suggest he could perform well in head-to-head matchups.

Implications of Hunt’s Candidacy

Hunt’s decision to run not only complicates the Senate race but also creates a vacancy in his 38th Congressional District, which overwhelmingly supported Trump in the previous election cycle. This could further impact the Republican landscape in Texas, expanding the number of competitive open districts.

Campaign Resources

As of now, Hunt has approximately $3 million at his disposal, while Cornyn reports nearly $6 million, and Paxton has about $2.5 million. The upcoming primary on March 5 is expected to reignite tensions, with candidates ramping up advertising efforts in anticipation of a potentially divisive and costly election season.

With less than five months until the primary, Hunt aims to solidify his ground among Texas voters and navigate the complexities of an intensely competitive Republican primary, positioning himself as a fresh choice amid established contenders.