The Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Texas is now officially a three-man race.
On Monday, U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt announced his campaign for the seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn, joining Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in what’s shaping up to be one of the most closely watched GOP contests in the nation.
“The U.S. Senate race in Texas must be about more than a petty feud between two men who have spent months trading barbs,” Hunt said in his announcement. “With my candidacy, this race will finally be about what’s most important — Texas.”
Hunt, a two-term congressman and U.S. Army veteran, pledged to keep the focus on issues like border security, energy independence, and public safety.
“I will ensure this campaign centers on what truly matters — Texas families, the protection of American energy, the security of our border, and the safety of every community across our great state,” Hunt said. “My record speaks louder than words. I am the most consistently conservative legislator representing Texas in Congress. I was the first person in the nation to endorse President Trump, and I have remained steadfast in my commitment to the people of Texas.”
Hunt cast himself as a candidate rooted in Texas values and independent from Washington elites.
“Washington does not get to dictate what happens in Texas. Bureaucrats in D.C. do not choose Texas’ leadership; Texans do,” he said. “This race will be settled by Texans, not entrenched political figures from inside the beltway.”
The announcement comes as Cornyn and Paxton have spent months trading public shots.
Cornyn’s campaign responded sharply to Hunt’s entry, suggesting his run would only benefit Democrats.
Matt Mackowiak, a senior advisor for the Cornyn campaign, said, “Wesley Hunt is a legend in his own mind. No one is happier this morning than the national Democrats who are watching Wesley continue his quixotic quest for relevancy, costing tens of millions of dollars that will endanger the Trump agenda from being passed.”
Meanwhile, Paxton’s campaign welcomed Hunt to the race while renewing its attacks on Cornyn.
“We welcome Wesley Hunt to the race. Primaries are good for our party and our voters, and Wesley and General Paxton both know that Texans deserve better than the failed, anti-Trump record of John Cornyn,” said Paxton advisor Nick Maddux.
The Republican primary is scheduled to take place March 3, 2026.
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