U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt from Texas is contemplating entering the Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat in his state, adding complexity to an already prominent midterm election.
Recent discussions between Hunt and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, as well as political director James Blair, have taken place regarding this potential Senate run, according to sources familiar with these private talks. The meeting happened shortly after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his intention to challenge four-term Senator John Cornyn, said two of the insiders.
A political action committee has begun airing advertisements across Texas to promote Hunt’s background in cities beyond his Houston-area district. These ads have also been seen in Washington and West Palm Beach, Florida – locations significant due to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, as per media monitoring organization, AdImpact.
Hunt’s entry into the Senate race could ease concerns among both national and Texas Republicans regarding Senator Cornyn, who has faced criticism from the Republican base over his past remarks on Trump and his stance on gun control. Simultaneously, it may address apprehensions about Paxton, who has been undergoing impeachment inquiries and a federal investigation for allegedly misusing office powers to benefit a political contributor, despite being a formidable figure in Texas politics.
However, this scenario could also force Trump to possibly endorse one or more candidates, stirring division among his supporters.
Hunt, an African American, was an active campaigner for Trump in the previous election cycle, participating in events targeting Black voters and maintaining a close relationship with Trump’s political faction. With two terms in Congress, Hunt holds a formal education from West Point and Cornell University and served as an Apache helicopter pilot during the Iraq War.
Hunt’s political reputation has grown significantly over recent years, beginning with Trump’s endorsement during a six-way 2020 GOP House primary. Although he was unsuccessful that November, he secured a House seat two years later. His district includes affluent Republican regions, particularly in Houston’s River Oaks, and extends into more working-class zones within Harris County.
Hunt showed his support for Trump in the 2024 presidential race on November 15, 2022, when Trump launched his candidacy, going on to campaign nationwide for him. Trump acknowledged Hunt’s efforts with a high-profile speaking opportunity at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. During an April 8 White House event, Trump publicly praised Hunt and his campaign ad while acknowledging the commencement of Paxton’s campaign.
Senator Cornyn has an extensive legislative history and substantial experience in Texas’s political arena. Senate Majority Leader John Thune reportedly encouraged Trump to endorse Cornyn, according to sources privy to these discussions. Thune emphasized that Republican incumbents like Cornyn are valuable for both their state and constituents.
Despite Cornyn’s experience, a segment of Texas’s Republican electorate remains critical of him for distancing from Trump following the January 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol, even though Cornyn opposed impeachment proceedings.
Paxton, known for his consistent support of Trump, began his campaign by vowing to challenge long-standing political figures in Washington. His criticism of Cornyn extends to the bipartisan gun regulation law supported after the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Neither the Cornyn nor Paxton campaigns have commented on Hunt’s intentions. Inquiries to the White House regarding the Hunt meeting and Trump’s endorsement plans for the Texas Senate race have not been addressed yet.
Traveling to Rome aboard Air Force One, Trump commented on the Senate race, expressing appreciation for both Paxton and Cornyn, acknowledging the challenge of supporting one over the other given their mutual political accomplishments.