Defiant Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt is shaking up the state’s high-stakes Senate race, adamantly refusing calls from Republican leaders to drop out of an increasingly bitter primary against longtime incumbent Senator John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Hunt’s decision to press forward has ignited internal GOP tensions, with national party figures warning that his continued campaign could split the conservative vote and force a costly runoff, threatening the party’s national midterm strategy.
Hunt’s Stand in a Three-Way Showdown
At 44, and a two-term House lawmaker and combat veteran, Hunt officially launched his Senate campaign, making it clear he doesn’t intend to step aside for the GOP establishment. “If Senate leadership is unhappy with my candidacy, I say good, because they don’t dictate leadership in Texas,” Hunt declared, positioning himself as the only candidate who can unite the Republican base and win both the primary and general election without draining the party’s resources. His campaign’s “David and Goliath” imagery has resonated with grassroots supporters frustrated by the prospect of another Cornyn term.
Internal Pressure and High Stakes
National Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have been lobbying former President Donald Trump for an endorsement to clear the field for Cornyn. As of now, Trump has not chosen a side, with insiders suggesting he prefers to wait until after the March 3 primary’s results are clearer before backing a frontrunner. Cornyn and his allies argue that a divided primary will waste millions needed in other battleground states and could ultimately help the Democrats, as Texas is seen as a vital piece in the fight for Senate control.
Cornyn himself has warned that Hunt’s persistence could “very well mark the end of his political career,” while spending on the primary has already reached tens of millions of dollars—with $40 million alone devoted to pro-Cornyn advertising.
Paxton’s Quiet Advantage and Trump’s Role
Attorney General Paxton, largely staying out of the Cornyn-Hunt crossfire, sits nearly tied with Cornyn in polls and stands to benefit from the GOP split. Paxton continues to cultivate Trump’s support, even meeting with the former president abroad, while Hunt insists he hasn’t been told to withdraw by anyone from Trump’s team. “Nobody has told me anything,” Hunt stated. Paxton’s and Hunt’s campaigns continue to share polling data with Trump’s advisers, with Trump’s ultimate endorsement expected to shift the election’s dynamics dramatically.
The Democrats’ Hopes and GOP’s Worries
For Democrats to take the Senate, Texas is an uphill but essential fight, and party leaders are watching the Republican turmoil closely. GOP frustration with Hunt’s refusal to exit centers on fears that a prolonged primary will weaken their eventual nominee—whether Cornyn, Hunt, or Paxton. Hunt, however, remains steadfast, invoking his military record and dismissing concerns about his voting attendance in Congress.
Outlook
As the March Texas primary approaches, the contest has become a test of party unity, grassroots energy, and Trump’s influence. GOP leaders weigh the risks of division, while Hunt warns that he’s not running to “retire in the U.S. Senate”—but to shake up business as usual. With millions at stake and national control of the Senate hanging in the balance, Texas Republicans are preparing for a dramatic and unpredictable spring showdown.