U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt entered the 2026 Texas Senate race on Monday, turning an already fierce Republican primary between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton into a three-way contest that could reshape the state’s political landscape.

Hunt, a two-term congressman and former U.S. Army officer, announced his candidacy in a video that framed his campaign as a break from what he called a “petty feud” between Cornyn and Paxton. “With my candidacy, this race will finally be about what’s most important — Texas,” Hunt said in a press release.

The Houston Republican, who has closely aligned himself with President Donald Trump, emphasized border security, energy independence, and public safety as the pillars of his campaign. “My record speaks louder than words,” he said. “I was the first person in the nation to endorse President Trump, and I have remained steadfast in my commitment to the people of Texas.”

Hunt’s entry immediately drew sharp reactions from both major rivals. Cornyn adviser Matt Mackowiak called Hunt “a legend in his own mind,” adding that “no one is happier this morning than the national Democrats,” per The Texas Scorecard. Paxton’s team, meanwhile, reportedly welcomed Hunt to the field, saying “primaries are good for our party and our voters.”

Cornyn, 73, has served in the Senate since 2002 and has long been viewed as part of the GOP establishment, while Paxton has built a loyal conservative base amid multiple legal battles.

Hunt’s campaign pledged to keep the race focused on “Texas families, the protection of American energy, the security of our border, and the safety of every community across our great state.”

The move injects new uncertainty into what was already shaping up to be one of the most expensive and combative Senate primaries. RealClearPolitics’ average of recent polls shows Paxton narrowly ahead of Cornyn, 37.3 percent to 35 percent, with no data yet reflecting Hunt’s impact. Paxton has led in almost every major poll in the RCP catalog since May.

Some Republican strategists have privately expressed concern that Hunt’s bid could split support among challengers to Cornyn and potentially push the contest to a runoff after the March 3 primary. Internal Cornyn polling last month found Hunt taking 17 percent in a hypothetical three-way matchup, according to reporting from Politico.

Hunt dismissed criticism that his run was driven by ambition rather than principle, saying in his launch video that he takes “offense” to establishment figures questioning his motives. “I assure you, this is not a vanity project,” he said.

The primary is set for March 3, 2026, with a potential runoff in May if no candidate secures a majority.