A new candidate shakes up the Texas GOP primary, raising concerns about a divided Republican vote.
Story Snapshot
- Wesley Hunt, an Army veteran and MAGA supporter, enters the Texas Senate race.
- His candidacy could split the MAGA vote, potentially benefiting Democrats.
- The race intensifies existing divisions within the Texas GOP.
- Hunt positions himself as a less controversial alternative to Ken Paxton.
Wesley Hunt Enters the Texas Senate Race
In October 2025, U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt officially announced his candidacy for the Texas U.S. Senate seat, joining an already heated GOP primary. Hunt, a Republican from Houston and a U.S. Army veteran, has positioned himself as a strong MAGA (Make America Great Again) loyalist, seeking to capture the support of voters aligned with former President Donald Trump. His entry into the race has added a new dynamic to the field, which includes incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Hunt’s campaign is well-funded, with $6 million earmarked for television ads to boost his visibility. Despite being a second-term congressman, Hunt is leveraging his military background and MAGA credentials to appeal to conservative voters. His entry into the race is seen as disruptive by the Republican establishment, which fears that a divided MAGA vote could weaken the party’s chances in the general election.
Impact on the GOP Primary Dynamics
The Texas GOP primary is shaping up to be a battleground between MAGA-aligned candidates and the traditional Republican establishment. John Cornyn, a four-term incumbent, has faced criticism from the MAGA wing for his perceived lack of loyalty to Trump. Meanwhile, Ken Paxton, a prominent MAGA figure, is embroiled in various personal and legal scandals, which Hunt is using to position himself as a less controversial alternative.
Hunt’s candidacy could potentially siphon MAGA votes from Paxton, thus altering the dynamics of the race. While establishment Republicans are concerned about the implications of a divided conservative vote, MAGA supporters view Hunt as a fresh face who could bring new energy to the Senate seat. The outcome of this primary is expected to have significant ramifications not only for Texas but for the national Republican Party’s approach to Trumpism versus establishment politics.
Potential Consequences and Reactions
The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a GOP super PAC aligned with the establishment, has publicly criticized Hunt’s decision to enter the race. The SLF warns that Hunt’s candidacy could inadvertently aid Democrats by splitting the Republican vote, thus making the seat vulnerable in the general election. Hunt, however, remains focused on his campaign’s message, emphasizing his commitment to addressing what he sees as the core issues facing Texas voters.
As the primary race progresses, the key question remains: will Hunt’s entry strengthen the MAGA movement within Texas, or will it lead to further fragmentation and potential Democratic gains? The race serves as a critical test of the GOP’s ability to reconcile Trumpist populism with traditional conservative values, setting the stage for future political battles both in Texas and nationwide.
Watch the report: Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt joins GOP Senate race, calls for “new leadership”
Sources:
San Antonio Current, “MAGA adherent Rep. Wesley Hunt enters Texas’ already crowded U.S. Senate race”
GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt announces run for U.S. Senate, joining Cornyn, Paxton in primary
Wesley Hunt Enters Texas G.O.P. Senate Race, Complicating Path for Cornyn – The New York Times