Defiant GOP Congressman Wesley Hunt Refuses to Bow Out, Shakes Up Texas Senate Race
GOP leaders in Washington are pressing Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt to drop out of the Texas Senate race, warning that his candidacy could cost the party tens of millions and disrupt their midterm map. But Hunt, a 44-year-old combat veteran and two-term House member, says he’s staying in the heated three-way contest against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“If Senate leadership does not like me being in this race, good,” Hunt told CNN. “Senate leadership does not pick the leadership in Texas. I am the only candidate who can win both the primary and the general without costing hundreds of millions of dollars.”
Hunt, a MAGA loyalist like Paxton, is seeking Trump’s endorsement. However, sources say Trump may delay his choice until a clear favorite emerges ahead of the March 3 primary. Hunt’s presence makes it less likely any candidate will win a majority outright, potentially forcing a costly May 26 runoff.
Cornyn and GOP leaders have warned that a protracted primary could drain tens of millions that might be better spent on other competitive races. Cornyn’s supporters have labeled Hunt a “spoiler” who is making the race unnecessarily complicated.
Hunt remains unfazed, citing his combat experience in Baghdad. “I have survived combat. The end of my political career? I’m still alive and well,” he said. He insists his candidacy offers Texas voters a true alternative.
Tensions Rising Among GOP Candidates
The primary has already become a three-way battle. Hunt and Cornyn have openly clashed, while Paxton has largely stayed on the sidelines, spending only $1 million compared to Cornyn’s $3.5 million and Hunt’s $2.3 million for the most recent quarter. Hunt has avoided personal attacks on Paxton, focusing instead on policy differences.
The stakes are high: pro-Cornyn outside groups have spent roughly $40 million of the $52.5 million spent on GOP primary ads to date. Cornyn allies worry that Hunt’s refusal to drop out will force Republicans into a prolonged, expensive contest and leave the seat vulnerable to Democrats in a state the party has not lost in a statewide race since 1994.
Trump’s Role in the Race
Trump remains a key figure. Cornyn and GOP leaders have made repeated appeals to the former president for an endorsement, highlighting the financial and strategic benefits. However, Trump has yet to commit, leaving Hunt confident he will not be pushed out.
“Donald Trump’s endorsement is incredible in any Republican primary, but you cannot revive that dead campaign,” Hunt said of Cornyn. “Not even Trump can do that. That’s why I got in—to give voters an option.”
Hunt and Paxton have both criticized Cornyn for straying from Trump on key issues, including the January 6 riots, recent tech and gun legislation, and other votes seen as too moderate by MAGA loyalists. Cornyn, meanwhile, has attacked Hunt for missing more than a quarter of House votes this year, citing family and campaign obligations as context. Hunt responded sharply:
“Are we really going to talk about missed votes? Maybe you should have missed more votes,” he said, criticizing Cornyn’s record.
As the March primary approaches, Hunt’s defiance has turned the Texas Senate race into one of the most unpredictable and closely watched contests of the cycle, with both GOP insiders and national observers watching to see if an insurgent candidate can withstand pressure from party leadership.
