Rep. Wesley Hunt could also be about to make an already chaotic Texas GOP Senate main even messier.
The Houston-area congressman has reserved advert time on Fox Information within the Washington, D.C., market, with the spot scheduled to air on Saturday, in line with ad-tracking agency AdImpact. Axios stories Hunt can also be spending six figures on advertisements within the Dallas and Houston media markets—an unmistakable signal he’s eyeing a statewide run.
And this isn’t his first look outdoors his district. In April, a political motion committee ran biographical advertisements about Hunt in cities removed from Houston—together with Washington, D.C., and West Palm Seaside, Florida, residence to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago—in line with the Related Press. Medium Shopping for, one other ad-tracking agency, says Hunt’s congressional marketing campaign additionally aired spots on Newsmax in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio from July 12-18.
Rumors of Hunt working for Senate have been swirling for months. However this newest media blitz marks his clearest sign but. Axios stories the latest advert options Hunt alongside his spouse and three younger youngsters, with a voiceover declaring: “Household, religion, freedom. These are the values that outline Texas, and so they’re the values that outline Wesley Hunt.”
The message appears geared toward making a stark distinction with Lawyer Normal Ken Paxton, the scandal-plagued front-runner who’s now going via a high-profile divorce. State Sen. Angela Paxton filed final week on “biblical grounds,” accusing her husband of adultery and saying the couple has lived aside for over a 12 months.
Paxton didn’t precisely deny the allegations. As an alternative, he launched a assertion saying, “I couldn’t be any extra proud or grateful for the unbelievable household that God has blessed us with, and I stay dedicated to supporting our wonderful youngsters and grandchildren.”
That type of baggage could give Hunt the opening he wants. He’s been emphasizing his navy background—a time-tested promoting level for Texas Republicans—and his advertisements have reached past main metros, airing in Amarillo, San Antonio, and Waco.
With Paxton mired in scandal and Sen. John Cornyn trailing badly in main polling, Hunt might emerge as a viable different for Republican voters fed up with each. Cornyn, who has held his seat since 2002, nonetheless has occasion management help, however which may not be sufficient to hold him via a tricky main.
Even Trump is holding again. In line with Senate GOP sources, White Home officers not too long ago instructed Minority Whip John Thune that the president plans to keep impartial, a minimum of for now. He’s ready to see if Cornyn can shut the hole earlier than weighing in.
In the meantime, extra potential candidates are eyeing the race. Rep. Ronny Jackson—Trump’s former White Home doctor—can also be mentioned to be contemplating a bid.
And Democrats are making ready for their very own battle. Former Rep. Colin Allred, who challenged Ted Cruz in 2024, has already entered the race. However different high-profile Democrats—Rep. Joaquin Castro, state Rep. James Talarico, and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke—are additionally contemplating runs, setting the stage for a potential intraparty showdown.
For now, the Republican discipline is fractured, the front-runner is underneath scrutiny, and the institution choose is struggling. If Hunt enters, it nearly ensures a fierce main battle. So, sure—seize your popcorn. Texas Republicans are gearing as much as tear one another aside—once more.
