U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt has launched new cable television campaign ads in the Dallas market, a move that hints he may be preparing for a bid for the U.S. Senate.
The ads, which also appear in the Houston and San Antonio markets, aim to introduce the congressman to voters beyond his Houston-area district.
Hunt has expressed interest in the Senate seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn, who has served since 2002. However, he has not yet made a definitive decision regarding his candidacy.
Cornyn is up for reelection in 2026 and is already facing a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Recent polls suggest that Paxton is leading the race, in some instances by a substantial margin.
Despite these challenges, Cornyn has asserted that it is early in the campaign and he believes he is the only candidate capable of defeating Paxton in the primary, thus ensuring the seat remains Republican in the general election.
Cornyn has dismissed notions that Paxton’s lead would cause him to withdraw from the race. Nevertheless, if Cornyn fails to narrow the gap with Paxton in upcoming weeks and months, other Republicans who are concerned about Paxton’s viability in the general election may seek alternative candidates.
Hunt is positioning himself as a potential alternative, underscored by his new ad campaign. He aligns himself with President Donald Trump, who holds significant influence over Texas’ conservative base.
The advertisement features a sound bite from President Trump describing Hunt as a “man with an unlimited future.”
Within the ad, Hunt characterizes Democrats as radicals and speaks about his family’s military history, proudly stating his own service as an Apache helicopter pilot in the Army.
“I’m the great, great grandson of a slave. I’m the son of a retired lieutenant colonel,” Hunt declares in the ad.
“I’m the product of West Point, along with my other two siblings, and I risked my life in combat to preserve our nation.”
The ads were financed by Hunt’s congressional campaign account.
In the meantime, Paxton has been positioning himself as the candidate who is most aligned with Trump, launching attacks on Cornyn for not being sufficiently committed to the former president and conservative values.
Paxton recently announced his campaign raised $2.9 million during the second quarter ending June 30.
Cornyn has pointed to his own voting record, which he claims closely matches Trump’s, while criticizing Paxton’s character. Paxton was impeached by the Texas House in May 2023 amid allegations of bribery and corruption relating to businessman Nate Paul.
Though the Texas Senate acquitted Paxton, he has maintained his innocence, calling the impeachment proceedings a sham.
Recent developments have further complicated Paxton’s Senate campaign as his wife, state Senator Angela Paxton, has filed for divorce. Paxton took to social media platform X to ask for privacy and prayers during this time.
Despite his lead in polling, Paxton could encounter challenges in the general election, effectively keeping potential Republican challengers like Hunt on alert for the opportunity to step in.
In his advertisement, Hunt emphasizes a strong call to leadership: “My dad always taught us leadership is not about when it’s convenient for you. It’s about when your country needs you. Our country needs us.”
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