Trump-Backed Candidate SHAKES Senate Race

United States Senate seal with microphones in front
TRUMP-BACKED CANDIDATE HEATS UP SENATE RACE

A Trump-aligned candidate without a scandal enters the Texas GOP Senate race, shaking up the establishment. See the video announcement below.

Story Snapshot

  • Wesley Hunt, a Trump ally, joins the Texas Senate race against Cornyn and Paxton.
  • Hunt’s candidacy offers a fresh alternative to Paxton’s controversial record.
  • Hunt’s campaign focuses on Texas priorities, aiming to appeal to the MAGA base.
  • The race highlights divisions within the Texas GOP, with significant implications for its future direction.
  • Trump’s endorsement could be a decisive factor as the primary approaches.

Wesley Hunt Enters the Texas Senate Race

Wesley Hunt, a Republican congressman from Houston and a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Texas.

His entry into the race introduces a new dynamic, as he challenges incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton in what is expected to be a contentious primary.

Hunt positions himself as a candidate dedicated to Texas-centric issues, aiming to resonate with the MAGA base while distancing himself from Paxton’s legal controversies.

Hunt, a West Point graduate and former Army captain, is a relative newcomer to the political scene, having served only two terms in the House. Despite this, he has quickly built a profile focused on energy and law enforcement, key issues for many Texans.

His campaign, supported by approximately $6 million in statewide advertising from his allies, seeks to challenge the status quo and provide a viable alternative to both Cornyn’s establishment ties and Paxton’s controversial past.

Divisions Within the Texas GOP

The Texas GOP is currently experiencing significant internal divisions, with a clear split between establishment figures and hardline conservatives. Cornyn’s moderate positions, including his support for bipartisan gun safety legislation, have alienated some of the party’s right-wing members.

Meanwhile, Paxton’s ongoing legal troubles, including impeachment and federal investigations, have raised doubts about his electability. Hunt’s candidacy is seen as a potential unifying force, appealing to conservative voters without the baggage associated with Paxton.

The race for the U.S. Senate seat is set against a backdrop of broader Republican divisions, acting as a microcosm of the party’s challenges at the national level.

The outcome could significantly impact the direction of the Texas GOP, as well as influence the national Republican agenda. With the primary election scheduled for March 3, 2026, and a potential runoff on May 26, the stakes are high for all involved parties.

The Role of Endorsements and Future Implications

As the race intensifies, endorsements, particularly from President Trump, will play a crucial role in shaping the primary’s outcome.

Both Cornyn and Paxton have ties to Trump, but Hunt’s strong alignment with the president could potentially sway the MAGA base in his favor. Political analysts suggest that Hunt’s best chance of success may lie in forcing a runoff and consolidating support from disenchanted voters seeking a fresh alternative.

Looking ahead, the implications of this race extend beyond Texas. The ideological direction of the Texas GOP could influence national strategies and reflect broader trends within the Republican Party. The focus on energy policy and border security may also drive statewide debates, impacting key industries and setting the tone for future legislative priorities.

Sources:

Rep. Wesley Hunt launches Republican bid for Senate in Texas

2026 United States Senate election in Texas

Texas Senate Candidates

Texas Secretary of State Candidate Information