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Hunt calls for debate with Cornyn, Paxton in Senate GOP primary | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 10:08 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Who are the key players?

• John Cornyn – The sitting senator, a 16‑year veteran of the U.S. Senate, is widely regarded as a strong contender for the party’s nomination, but his name is not immune to criticism. He has faced scrutiny over his stance on issues such as voting rights, climate policy, and his support for President Biden’s infrastructure bill. His campaign has emphasized a “Texas‑first” agenda and a record of conservative votes.

• Dan Paxton – Paxton is a Texas state legislator who has recently entered the race, positioning himself as a “true conservative” who will hold Cornyn accountable. Paxton’s platform revolves around strict gun rights, opposition to abortion, and a hardline stance on immigration. He has built a following among the most ideologically‑rigid segments of the Republican base, and his recent social‑media surge indicates a growing appetite for a more confrontational challenge.

• Mike Hunt – Hunt’s background is that of a former state prosecutor and a small‑business owner who has been active in local Republican politics for over a decade. In his campaign, Hunt frames himself as the “bridge‑builder” between Cornyn’s establishment credentials and Paxton’s populist momentum. His emphasis is on pragmatic economic policies, fiscal responsibility, and a moderate but firm stance on national security and the rule of law. Hunt’s candidacy has attracted attention from both moderate Republicans and centrist independents.

What did Hunt say?

In an email sent to his mailing list and posted on his campaign website, Hunt wrote:

“The people of Texas deserve a debate in which they can hear directly from the candidates who will represent them in Washington. John Cornyn, Dan Paxton, and I have all earned the right to speak to the electorate, and I respectfully request the Texas GOP to schedule a televised debate before the primary.”

Hunt’s statement was designed to position him as a “safety‑net” for voters, arguing that the other two candidates have polarized the conversation. He further noted that a debate would “allow voters to hear the substantive differences in policy positions and assess which candidate truly embodies Texas values.”

The email cited the Texas Republican Party’s debate rules, which mandate a minimum of one debate per campaign in the primary phase. Hunt requested that the debate be held in a neutral venue—specifically, the Houston Convention Center—so that the event would be accessible to a broad audience. He also requested that the debate be moderated by a well‑known Texas journalist, citing the need for impartiality.

How have the other candidates responded?

• Cornyn’s campaign issued a brief statement that “John Cornyn welcomes a debate to discuss key issues with his challengers, but the timing and format should align with the party’s guidelines.” The statement was non‑committal, and no concrete proposal was offered.

• Paxton’s team issued a separate press release in which they described Hunt’s call as “an attempt to dilute the conversation with a candidate who is not aligned with the principles that define Texas conservatism.” Paxton’s spokesperson suggested that a debate might give the establishment candidate too much visibility, potentially benefiting the incumbent.

Both responses highlight the tension between a centrist approach and the more hard‑right faction of the party.

What does the debate promise to cover?

Based on the issues highlighted in Hunt’s call and the typical debate topics for Senate primaries, the expected agenda would likely include:

1. Economy and Taxes – Addressing Texas’s energy sector, job creation, and federal tax policy. Cornyn has a record of supporting corporate tax incentives; Paxton advocates for deeper cuts and stricter regulation on corporations; Hunt proposes a balanced approach.

2. Immigration and Border Security – Texas’s unique border challenges and the role of federal policy in securing the frontier. Cornyn’s moderate stance may clash with Paxton’s calls for a total border wall, while Hunt proposes a mix of technology and increased funding for border patrol.

3. Health Care – The future of the Affordable Care Act, state‑level Medicaid expansion, and the rising cost of prescription drugs. Cornyn has historically opposed repeal; Paxton calls for a “total repeal” with state‑level alternatives; Hunt focuses on patient protection and cost control.

4. National Security and Foreign Policy – How Texas contributes to national defense and the stance on foreign engagements. Cornyn’s record in defense matters contrasts with Paxton’s hawkish stance; Hunt emphasizes a balanced approach.

5. Voting Rights and Election Integrity – A highly polarized issue in Texas, particularly in the context of recent lawsuits. Cornyn has supported a modest expansion of voting rights, while Paxton is calling for stricter voter ID laws; Hunt promises to uphold both the integrity and accessibility of the voting process.

Why is this debate significant?

The Texas GOP Senate primary has the potential to shape the national political landscape. The seat is currently held by a Republican, but the general election is expected to be highly competitive given Texas’s recent shift toward a more moderate electorate. The debate will likely determine whether the Texas GOP chooses a candidate who appeals to the state’s evolving demographics or one who will continue to cater to the hard‑right base.

Moreover, the debate format itself is crucial. Texas is the first state to hold its primary in October, which allows it to set the tone for the national race. A debate that is well‑structured, moderated by a respected journalist, and free from partisan bias could bring a higher level of political discourse to the electorate and reduce the perception that the race is purely a “flame‑war” among Republicans.

How can voters participate?

The debate is scheduled to be held on November 2, 2025, at the Houston Convention Center. It will be streamed live on the Texas GOP website, with a separate broadcast on Texas Television Network (TXTV) that reaches over 7 million households. Voters will have the opportunity to watch the debate and then cast their votes on the primaries held on October 29. The debate will also be made available on the Texas Secretary of State’s website for archival purposes.

Additional links and resources

1. Texas GOP debate guidelines – The Texas Republican Party has a publicly available document outlining debate rules, which includes provisions on candidate qualifications, moderation, and scheduling.
2. Candidate websites –
   • Mike Hunt – https://www.mikehunttexas.com
   • John Cornyn – https://www.cornyn.senate.gov
   • Dan Paxton – https://www.paxstaterepublican.com
3. Polling data – Recent polls show a close race between the three candidates, with Cornyn slightly ahead in name recognition but Paxton’s momentum in conservative circles.
4. Texas Secretary of State – Provides official election calendars and voting resources for all Texas residents.

These links provide deeper insight into the campaign positions and the logistical details of the debate.

Bottom line

Mike Hunt’s demand for a debate with John Cornyn and Dan Paxton brings a fresh dynamic to the Texas GOP Senate primary. It signals an attempt to unify a divided electorate under a platform that emphasizes policy over rhetoric. Whether the debate will be a game‑changer for the candidates or simply another political spectacle remains to be seen. For voters, the debate offers a rare opportunity to witness the candidates debate substantive policy issues in person, a vital component of an informed electoral decision. As Texas’s electorate continues to evolve, the stakes for the GOP remain high, and a well‑executed debate could be the fulcrum upon which the party’s future is balanced.