GOP Leaders Urge Wesley Hunt to Withdraw from Senate Race

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GOP leaders are pressuring Rep. Wesley Hunt to exit the Texas Senate race. They warn that his participation could be financially damaging for the party and disrupt their midterm strategy.

Despite the pressure, Hunt, a 44-year-old combat veteran with two terms in the House, told CNN he plans to remain in the race against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Hunt linked his candidacy to a David versus Goliath battle, claiming he can win the primary and general elections without wasting party resources.

“If Senate leadership does not like me being in this race, you know what I say? Good,” Hunt stated. He believes Texans are seeking alternatives to Cornyn, who has held his seat since 2002.

Hunt is also courting the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who has been urged by party leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, to back Cornyn. However, sources indicate Trump’s endorsement may not come soon and could depend on who gains traction leading up to the March 3 primary.

“Hunt’s candidacy makes it less likely any one candidate will secure a majority in the primary,” said a Republican strategist. “If that happens, a runoff on May 26 could severely weaken the eventual nominee.”

With fears of a prolonged primary impacting funding for key races, Cornyn openly questioned Hunt’s chances of winning. “He can’t win, so this could well be the end of his political career,” Cornyn said.

Hunt dismissed this criticism, citing his combat experience as proof of resilience. He added, “The United States Senate is not a retirement community.”

As the conflict between Hunt and Cornyn escalates, Paxton has maintained a lower profile. Hunt’s campaign has raised about $2.3 million, in contrast to Cornyn’s $3.5 million, leading some to view Hunt as a spoiler.

Despite personal attacks, Hunt has opted not to engage in criticizing Paxton’s controversies. “I’m not getting in people’s personal lives because that’s just not how I roll,” he explained.

Facing increased funding efforts to support Cornyn, Republican backers highlight that money used to promote Cornyn could be spent more strategically in battleground areas. The GOP needs to secure at least four seats to maintain control of the Senate, making the Texas race critical.

As Cornyn continues outreach to Trump, he noted, “We’ll spend a lot of money that could be better used elsewhere.” Meanwhile, Trump’s decision regarding an endorsement remains uncertain.

In response to inquiry about withdrawing if Trump endorses Cornyn, Hunt firmly said he would not step aside. “Not even Donald Trump can revive that dead campaign,” he concluded.