Wesley Hunt Challenges John Cornyn in Texas Senate Race
Texas Representative Wesley Hunt is shaking things up in the Senate race, creating tension for incumbent Senator John Cornyn’s reelection efforts. Hunt, a Republican in the House for two terms, has officially entered the Senate primary following months of speculation about whether lawmakers from the Houston area would aim for a shift in GOP leadership, potentially sidelining Cornyn.
Since early spring, Cornyn has been in a fierce battle with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Hunt has expressed confidence that his presence in the race could help secure victory in both the primary and general elections. “The polls are indicating that people desire alternatives. I think I can provide that,” he noted in a statement.
Amid this uncertainty, Hunt’s campaign has allegedly generated millions in advertising throughout Texas this year, hinting at an aggressive strategy to disrupt the ongoing rivalry.
This push comes as the National Republican Senate Committee criticized him for even contemplating a Senate run, throwing their full support behind Cornyn’s bid for a fifth term. In a memo, they urged donors to redirect their contributions and encourage elections closer to home, rather than supporting Hunt.
Interestingly, the memo highlighted that recent polls suggested Cornyn led Paxton by about four percentage points, emphasizing that this two-way contest stands strong statistically.
Some have suggested that Hunt’s entry into the race might complicate things for Trump, who has shown affinity for both Cornyn and Paxton but seems frustrated about needing to pick a side. Whether Hunt’s participation will sway Trump’s support remains to be seen.
Although Cornyn’s lead in the polls has narrowed, his campaign has intensified criticisms toward Paxton, who has faced several ethical concerns. Trump’s pollster, Tony Fabrizio, along with Chris Lacivita, a co-manager for Trump’s upcoming campaign, are backing Cornyn’s reelection efforts.
Polls show Hunt starting at a disadvantage, with recent surveys indicating Cornyn receiving about 32% support from Republican voters, closely followed by Paxton at 31%, while Hunt sits at 17%. A senior adviser for Cornyn dismissed Hunt, labeling him as someone “living in his own mind,” while expressing confidence in Cornyn’s chances in the election. This suggests a belief that the GOP primary might not only stir internal friction but also weaken their standing in the general election.
Democrats are reportedly feeling hopeful, believing that this protracted primary battle could hinder Republican candidates moving to the general election. An expert pointed out that the contest among Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt could lead to complications and higher costs.
In contrast, Paxton’s team welcomed Hunt into the race, framing it as a beneficial development for party dynamics. His adviser remarked that primaries are essential for strengthening their party and giving voters more options, highlighting a shared commitment to improving Texas against Cornyn’s perceived shortcomings.
However, Hunt’s own record has come under scrutiny, as he has missed a significant number of votes during his time in the House. Reports indicate he was absent from nearly 19% of all house votes over a certain period, which could raise questions about his viability as a candidate.
