AUSTIN, Texas – A Texas GOP congressman is defying calls from within his party to exit the state’s Senate primary, escalating a bruising battle that’s scrambling the race for control of the U.S. senate.Congressman Nathaniel Hunt is facing intense pressure to step aside as national Republicans seek to clear a path for Sen. John Cornyn, who is viewed as a more electable candidate in the November general election.
The escalating conflict underscores the deep fissures within the Texas Republican party between its establishment wing and a more populist, hard-right faction fueled by the influence of former President Donald Trump. With the Senate evenly divided, the Texas race is a top priority for both Democrats and Republicans, and the outcome could determine which party controls the chamber after the 2024 election.
Hunt has repeatedly attacked Cornyn over bipartisan deals struck during the 117th Congress, including a bill to bolster the U.S. chip-making industry and a gun safety bill passed after the 2022 elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Cornyn, in turn, has criticized Hunt for missing a important number of votes in the House this year – more than a quarter, according to his campaign.
Hunt defended his absences, citing his son’s time in the NICU and his role as a Trump surrogate during the 2024 presidential campaign. When questioned about his missed votes, Hunt delivered a sharp rebuke, stating, “Are we going to really talk about missed votes? I mean, what is this elementary school? I mean, what do I get a certificate for showing up to work and voting on naming another post office after Sacagawea?” He then directly challenged Cornyn’s record, saying, “maybe you should have missed more votes.”
The pressure on Hunt to withdraw comes as party leaders express concerns about his ability to win a statewide election. While he has embraced Trump’s “America First” agenda,his relatively short time in Congress and combative style are seen by some as liabilities. Cornyn, a seasoned legislator, is viewed as a more pragmatic and experienced candidate, but faces criticism from the right for his willingness to compromise with Democrats.
