Trump-backed candidates lead in Houston-area GOP congressional races

Early returns show Jessica Steinmann and Jon Bonck, endorsed by former President Trump, ahead in primaries for open seats in Districts 8 and 38.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Two candidates endorsed by former President Donald Trump, Jessica Steinmann and Jon Bonck, are leading in the GOP primaries for open congressional seats in Houston-area districts 8 and 38. The winners will make a bid in November to fill the seats left open after U.S. Reps. Morgan Luttrell and Wesley Hunt decided not to seek re-election. Luttrell is retiring after two terms, while Hunt is challenging longtime U.S. Sen. John Cornyn for the GOP Senate nomination.

Why it matters

These races are part of 10 Houston-area congressional seats where longtime Democrats face real threats after Texas redrew its congressional map. The Trump-endorsed candidates' strong showings reflect the former president's continued influence within the Republican party, even after leaving office.

The details

Steinmann, an attorney who has worked in U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's office and Trump's Justice Department, is leading in the GOP primary for the open seat in District 8, which covers an area west of Houston extending to Conroe and Livingston. Bonck, a first-time candidate and mortgage banker, is leading in the primary for the open seat in District 38, which covers wealthy Houston suburbs like Klein, Cypress, Katy and Tomball. Both candidates have been endorsed by Trump and other prominent Republicans.

  • The GOP primaries for these open congressional seats took place on March 3, 2026.
  • U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell announced his retirement in September 2025, citing a "moment of clarity" during devastating flooding over the July 4th weekend.
  • U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt opted to challenge longtime U.S. Sen. John Cornyn for the GOP Senate nomination in 2026.

The players

Jessica Steinmann

An attorney who has worked in U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's office and Trump's Justice Department, and is leading in the GOP primary for the open seat in Congressional District 8.

Jon Bonck

A first-time candidate and mortgage banker who is leading in the GOP primary for the open seat in Congressional District 38.

Morgan Luttrell

The incumbent U.S. Representative for Congressional District 8 who decided to retire after two terms, citing a "moment of clarity" during devastating flooding over the July 4th weekend.

Wesley Hunt

The incumbent U.S. Representative for Congressional District 38 who opted to challenge longtime U.S. Sen. John Cornyn for the GOP Senate nomination in 2026.

John Cornyn

The longtime U.S. Senator from Texas who is being challenged by U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt for the GOP Senate nomination in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“It reminded me that while the work in Washington is important, my family, my community, and my state need me here – closer to home. I'm not walking away from service, and I'm certainly not walking away from the fight.”

— Morgan Luttrell, U.S. Representative (Houston Chronicle)

“I am a day one Trump guy and from the first conversation I ever had about running for office the only thing that has mattered to me is my desire to serve by supporting the President and his agenda. President Trump has now made his wishes clear; therefore, I am suspending my campaign.”

— Brett Jensen, Candidate (Social media)

What’s next

The winners of the GOP primaries will face off in the November 2026 general election to determine who will represent the Houston-area congressional districts.

The takeaway

These results demonstrate the continued influence of former President Trump within the Republican party, even after leaving office. His endorsements have carried significant weight in these competitive GOP primaries, underscoring the importance of his support for candidates seeking to fill open seats in the redrawn congressional map.