Wesley Hunt Faces Attacks from Rivals Cornyn and Paxton in Texas GOP Senate Primary

The two-term Republican congressman says the increased attacks are a sign they see him as a threat in the race.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 3:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, a two-term Republican, is facing increased attacks from his better-known rivals, Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton, ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary for the U.S. Senate. Hunt, an Iraq War veteran, was a late entry into what was initially a head-to-head contest between Cornyn and Paxton. For much of the race, he has been seen as the trailing candidate who could prevent either Cornyn or Paxton from winning the race outright and forcing a May runoff. In recent weeks, both Cornyn and Paxton have been spending more heavily on ads criticizing Hunt, suggesting they see him as complicating their paths to the nomination.

Why it matters

The late development in the race punctuates Cornyn's vulnerable predicament as he tries to avoid being the first Republican senator in Texas history to lose a renomination bid. Cornyn and Paxton are now trying to keep Hunt at bay, as they see him as a potential spoiler who could force a runoff between the two better-known, statewide elected officials.

The details

Hunt, who represents Houston's northwest suburbs, says he's more than just a spoiler and can be the nominee. Cornyn's campaign and allied super PACs have been airing ads criticizing Hunt, including one noting that he voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary. Hunt has said he voted for Clinton as part of a conservative-led effort to help GOP nominee John McCain by complicating the prolonged 2008 Democratic nominating campaign. A super PAC supporting Paxton also began airing ads critiquing Hunt this month, notably for his absences from the House as he has been campaigning around Texas.

  • The GOP primary election in Texas is on Tuesday, February 28, 2026.
  • If no candidate receives at least 50% of the vote on Tuesday, the nomination will be decided by a May 26, 2026 runoff election of the top two finishers.

The players

Wesley Hunt

A two-term Republican U.S. Representative from Texas who entered the GOP Senate primary late, and is now facing increased attacks from his better-known rivals.

John Cornyn

The four-term Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is seeking re-nomination, but has faced criticism from some conservatives due to his dismissal of Trump's 2024 candidacy and support for a gun-control measure.

Ken Paxton

The Republican Attorney General of Texas who is also running for the GOP Senate nomination, and has faced a failed 2023 impeachment trial and accusations of extramarital affairs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As an Apache helicopter pilot, it means I must be right over the target zone.”

— Wesley Hunt (AP)

“I was told this was going to be a vanity project and that I didn't have a chance. If that were the case, then why are they spending all this money attacking me?”

— Wesley Hunt (AP)

“I would never vote for Cornyn. I described the incumbent as out of step with today's GOP.”

— Bob Burns, Retired manufacturing executive (AP)

What’s next

If no candidate receives at least 50% of the vote on Tuesday, the nomination will be decided by a May 26, 2026 runoff election of the top two finishers.

The takeaway

This race highlights the divisions within the Texas Republican Party, as the establishment figures of Cornyn and Paxton face a challenge from the more Trump-aligned candidate in Wesley Hunt. The increased attacks on Hunt suggest he is being seen as a legitimate threat to the frontrunners, and the primary could be headed for a contentious runoff.