Cornyn labels Hunt as ‘phony MAGA’ in recent advertisement

Cornyn Targets Hunt in Primary Challenge

On Thursday, Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) intensified his campaign against his primary opponent, Representative Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), branding him a “fake MAGA.” This marks Cornyn’s first significant direct attack against Hunt.

The senator’s critique was supported by a new microsite and digital ads, backed by a substantial financial investment.

The one-minute advertisement stated, “Wesley Hunt claims he’s a MAGA, but the facts say otherwise.” It pointed out Hunt’s 2008 vote for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and his absence from the polls during the 2016 election, when Clinton ran against then-candidate Donald Trump. Cornyn also took aim at Hunt for missing several votes while serving in the House.

The ad concluded with the assertion that “Texans deserve better than a fake MAGA Wesley Hunt.”

In response, Hunt explained his past decisions, mentioning that when he ran for Congress in 2020, he participated in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary to create some confusion among Democrats.

Hunt also pushed back against Cornyn’s allegations in posts on social media. He accused the senator of having a record that “appears to be that of a registered Democrat,” suggesting that Cornyn had not taken a strong stance when it truly mattered. “He relented. He compromised. He capitulated to the left,” Hunt stated.

Cornyn’s move against Hunt follows the congressman’s entry into the competitive Republican Senate primary, where he is now vying against both Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). Hunt’s earlier hints at a possible Senate run had ruffled Cornyn’s feathers, prompting frustration among some in the Republican establishment.

A memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) criticized Hunt’s plan as a “vanity project,” urging his supporters not to back his campaign. The NRSC warned that his challenge could divert party resources and weaken their grip on the Senate.

Recent public opinion polling indicated that Ken Paxton is leading with 34% support among likely Republican primary voters, closely followed by Cornyn at 33%. Hunt trailed behind with 22%, while 11% of respondents were undecided.