Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) has taken a jab at Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), claiming he treats the Senate like a retirement home. Hunt described Cornyn, who’s spent nearly 25 years in Washington, as a “dinosaur on the Senate floor” and asserted that Texas needs “warriors, not fossils,” to further President Trump’s America First agenda.
In an interview, Hunt, who is competing against Cornyn in the Texas Republican primary, responded to a digital ad that labeled him a “fake MAGA.” He suggested that this ad spend indicates their campaign is gaining traction. “They’re acting this way because the polls are tilted in our direction,” Hunt stated, expressing amusement at the negativity from Cornyn’s team. “It shows how desperate they are.”
Hunt dismissed Cornyn’s criticism as “laughable,” noting his own loyalty to Trump during the campaign trail while Cornyn remained silent. “Among those calling me a ‘fake MAGA,’ I’m the one who actually supported Trump from the start,” Hunt emphasized, highlighting his dedication to the former president’s movement.
During his address at the opening of the 2024 Republican National Convention, Hunt pointed out the contrast between his commitment to Trump and Cornyn’s track record. “This is the same person who said it was time to move on from Trump,” he noted, convincing himself that Texans can recognize this fear.
Continuing his critique, Hunt claimed Cornyn’s lengthy tenure in Washington has led to a disconnect from the very movement he once represented. “He’s never met an amnesty bill he didn’t like,” Hunt said, adding that Cornyn had previously described Trump’s border wall as “difficult.” He believes it’s time to leave the past behind, stating, “This is what happens when you have a dinosaur sitting in the halls of the Senate.”
Hunt sees himself as part of a generational shift within the Republican Party, arguing that Texans deserve a senator who will “step into the breakthrough” of the next America First era. “We need someone in their early 40s to lead this country’s future,” he remarked, emphasizing his mission to provide America First champions for the years ahead.
He insisted that his campaign should focus on substantial issues rather than personal grudges, mentioning fellow Republican candidate Ken Paxton. “This race can’t be just about a feud between Cornyn and Paxton. It’s about the critical issues for Texas,” he argued, noting Cornyn’s considerable spending yet poor polling as evidence that voters are ready for change.
Hunt highlighted his stance on foreign policy, particularly regarding taxpayer spending in Ukraine. He criticized Cornyn for his support of Ukraine spending, saying he had “never seen a spending bill for Ukraine that he didn’t like.” Hunt advocated for prioritizing domestic issues and questioned the current administration’s focus on overseas conflicts.
On the government shutdown, Hunt referred to it as “pure political theater,” blaming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for yielding to the far-left. He criticized the resolutions maintaining government funding, asserting that Schumer’s fear of a primary challenge has left Americans to suffer.
Hunt claimed that House Republicans have fulfilled their obligations and that Senate Democrats possess the votes but refuse to take action. He suggested that the situation reveals an overabundance in federal bureaucracy, arguing that it could ultimately lead to necessary government downsizing.
He depicted Schumer’s obstruction as part of a broader issue within the Democratic Party, suggesting they’re controlled by radical elements. “They’re playing political games while the government suffers,” he said.
Hunt compared current protests to previous movements, saying they reflect a turn towards chaos and violence. He expressed disappointment in being labeled as extremists while genuinely caring about the nation’s direction.
Stressing Trump’s achievement of peace in the Middle East, Hunt framed his platform as part of a larger realignment within the Republican Party. He argued that the America First movement focuses on prioritizing American interests and will continue to resonate with voters.
Hunt warned of the perils of left-wing extremism and lamented the Democratic Party’s radicalization. He noted upcoming elections as a critical juncture, predicting that a continued leftward shift would further alienate voters.
He concluded by framing his campaign as integral to the future of the Republican movement, asserting that Texas voters are aware of the stakes and ready to embrace a new chapter with America First at its core.
