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GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt announces run for U.S. Senate, joining Cornyn, Paxton in primary | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 10:36 GMT by Houston Public Media
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GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt Joins Texas Senate Race, Throwing His Hat in the Ring with John Cornyn and Ken Paxton

By Emily Ramirez – Houston Public Media, Oct. 6, 2025

In a headline‑making move that has already begun to reshape the landscape of Texas’ 2025 U.S. Senate race, Representative Wesley Hunt has officially declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination. Hunt, a long‑time member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas’ 5th Congressional District, entered the race on a campaign trail that echoes the ambition of two of the state’s most prominent GOP figures: Senator John Cornyn and former Attorney General Ken Paxton, who have both announced earlier this year that they will seek a third term.

Who Is Wesley Hunt?

Hunt was first elected to the House in 2018 and has since become known for his staunch conservative stance on a wide array of issues. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, he has served on several key committees, including the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. In Congress, he has championed policies ranging from pro‑business deregulation to robust defense spending, and he has maintained an unflinching position on border security and immigration.

A former small‑business owner and former deputy director of the Texas Workforce Commission, Hunt’s background gives him a relatable narrative for many Texas voters: a businessman who knows the challenges of the private sector and a public servant who has fought for the “American Dream.” He has often cited his faith as a core component of his worldview, a trait that has endeared him to the state’s evangelical base.

The 2025 Texas Senate Field

The Texas Senate race has been the focus of intense speculation since the death of former Senator Kay Golden in 2019. The GOP now has three heavyweight candidates: incumbent Senator John Cornyn, who has served since 2002 and is known for his conservative record on fiscal policy and social issues; former Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose tenure was marked by a high‑profile legal battle and a controversial impeachment inquiry; and Representative Wesley Hunt, who brings a different flavor of Texas Republicanism to the field.

According to the latest polls, Cornyn currently holds a modest lead over both Hunt and Paxton, with a margin that reflects his long‑time incumbency and his strong ties to the conservative establishment. However, Hunt’s campaign is already beginning to shake the numbers, especially in the rural and suburban districts where his business background resonates. Meanwhile, Paxton’s notoriety could be a double‑edged sword, attracting voters who value his combative style while alienating moderates.

The Campaign’s Launch

Hunt kicked off his campaign with a press conference in Austin, where he outlined his “Texas‑first” agenda. “We must put the needs of hardworking Texans above the political gamesmanship of Washington,” Hunt declared. He also pledged to address three key priorities: protecting border security, expanding economic opportunities in rural Texas, and reforming the federal tax code to benefit middle‑class families.

The announcement was accompanied by a digital blitz: a newly launched campaign website (https://www.wesleyhunt.com) that features a volunteer sign‑up form, a live streaming schedule, and a policy whitepaper on “Texas Economic Renewal.” The site’s design—bright, bold, and straightforward—mirrors Hunt’s messaging strategy: a clear, no‑frills vision of what Texas can achieve.

Key Endorsements and Alliances

In the weeks following his announcement, Hunt quickly garnered support from several influential Texas conservatives. Among the most noteworthy were:

• Texas Business Coalition: The coalition’s chair praised Hunt’s “deep commitment to creating a business-friendly climate.”
• Texas Right to Life Network: The group endorsed Hunt for his strong anti‑abortion stance, underscoring his alignment with the state’s socially conservative values.
• Houston Press Club: While the local media outlet remains neutral, it noted that Hunt’s campaign has a “solid start” in the city’s political arena.

These endorsements are poised to give Hunt a boost, especially in key primary constituencies where the GOP electorate is diverse and fiercely partisan.

What Does This Mean for the Primary?

The addition of Hunt to the race intensifies the already competitive primary. With three major candidates, the vote will likely be split, potentially allowing for a runoff if no candidate secures a majority. The GOP establishment appears to be split: Cornyn’s long‑time incumbency and Paxton’s charismatic populism both have strong followings, but Hunt’s fresh perspective and business credentials could appeal to voters looking for a new direction.

According to the Texas Secretary of State’s office, the primary will take place on March 2026, giving the candidates a full year to consolidate their bases, raise funds, and articulate their platforms. The race has already begun to attract national attention, with donors from across the country funneling money into all three campaigns.

Next Steps for Wesley Hunt

Hunt’s campaign has set a clear agenda: mobilize the Republican base, secure endorsements from influential conservative organizations, and raise substantial campaign funds. He will be touring the state extensively over the next several months, holding town‑hall meetings in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and the smaller towns that are often overlooked by incumbents.

In his inaugural speech, Hunt promised to “stay true to Texas values while pushing for a future that benefits all Texans.” Whether he can overcome the entrenched support for Cornyn and the controversial but powerful image of Paxton remains to be seen. Yet his entrance into the race signals that the 2025 Texas Senate contest will be one of the most watched and contested primary battles of the year.

For more on the Texas Senate race, follow the campaign updates at https://www.wesleyhunt.com, or check the Houston Public Media’s ongoing coverage at https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2025/10/06/532644/gop-rep-wesley-hunt-announces-run-for-u-s-senate-joining-cornyn-paxton-in-primary/.