Hunt, 43, said his entry into the race to defeat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn guarantees that a “conservative warrior” will be Texas’ next senator — and that only he and Paxton fit the bill.
Congress
Read the latest Texas Tribune coverage of Congress, from the state’s lawmakers in Washington to key legislation and political debates shaping Texas and the nation.
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2026 Texas Elections
What do you want to know about Texas’ 2026 midterm elections?
Texans will choose their party’s candidates for Congress, governor and many state offices in March. Tell us how we can help you learn about the candidates.
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2026 Texas Elections
Cornyn heads into fall with big cash advantage over GOP primary challengers Paxton, Hunt
Texas’ senior senator outraised his foes across his campaign operation, though some of the money is ineligible to be transferred to his main account.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas GOP lawyer and former FEC chair Trey Trainor announces run for Chip Roy’s seat in Congress
The longtime GOP operative has spent decades as a lawyer for Texas Republicans and conservative causes.
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2026 Texas Elections
GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt announces run for U.S. Senate, joining Cornyn, Paxton in primary
The Houston congressman is giving up his safe seat after just two terms, scrambling the contest between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
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2026 Texas Elections
Republican Carlos De La Cruz announces run for redrawn 35th Congressional District
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz’s brother is the latest to enter a GOP primary field vying for the San Antonio-area district newly gerrymandered to favor Republicans.
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Health care
Texas could bear the brunt of expiring ACA tax credits. Is the GOP delegation willing to make a deal?
Democrats in Congress want to renew the Obamacare subsidies as part of any deal to reopen the government. Texas Republicans say the policy needs major reforms.
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Congress
The federal government has shut down. Here’s what it means for Texas
Many federal employees are required to continue working without pay, though furloughs — or the usual uptick in workers calling in sick — could disrupt some services.
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Economy
About $675 million earmarked for Texas projects is in limbo as Congress careens toward shutdown
Texas’ congressional delegation obtained tentative funding for infrastructure improvements, university research and other initiatives, but the nearly 350 earmarks are all in jeopardy.
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2026 Texas Elections
Can Texas use its new congressional map for 2026? A trio of judges will decide.
The same plaintiffs who are challenging the state’s 2021 maps have asked the court to block the new GOP-approved districts from being used in the fast-approaching midterms.