In a surprising twist to the Texas GOP Senate primary, Rep. Wesley Hunt has announced his candidacy, intensifying the competition against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. This addition promises to transform an already contentious race into one of the most fiercely contested battles of the 2026 midterm elections.

With Ken Paxton currently leading in the polls and Cornyn closing the gap, the primary landscape is volatile. Despite their efforts, neither seems to have secured a decisive advantage. Amidst this uncertainty, Hunt’s entry could push the primary to a May runoff, as no candidate appears poised to clinch an outright majority on March 3.

Hunt, leveraging his military background and ties to former President Donald Trump, has launched a $1.2 million advertising campaign across Texas. This move aims to expand his appeal beyond his Houston-area base, showcasing his commitment as an Apache helicopter pilot and his endorsement of Trump's 2024 presidential bid.

The Senate Leadership Fund, a major Republican PAC, has expressed concerns about Paxton's candidacy, viewing him as a potential liability in the general election. They have urged increased support for Cornyn, highlighting the need to maintain a strong GOP hold on the Senate.

The role of Trump's endorsement remains a critical factor. Hunt has previously benefited from Trump’s backing in his congressional races and has been an active campaign surrogate. His participation in events aimed at boosting Trump's profile among Black voters indicates his strategic alignment with the former president's agenda.

On the financial front, Hunt faces an uphill battle. His recent fundraising efforts paled in comparison to his rivals, with Cornyn and Paxton raising substantially more in the last reported quarter. However, his campaign hopes that his military service and conservative credentials will resonate with voters and open financial floodgates.

Meanwhile, the Democratic primary also features a contentious battle between former Rep. Colin Allred and state Rep. James Talarico, making the overall Texas Senate race one to watch closely. With the GOP field now more fragmented, Democrats see a potential opening in what has traditionally been a Republican stronghold.

As the race progresses, the strategies of these three diverse Republican candidates will be closely scrutinized. Their ability to navigate the primary could set the tone for one of the most significant Senate races in the upcoming election cycle.