A new poll shows U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt tied for first in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.
The independent Texas Senate poll from Cygnal shows Hunt, R-Houston, in a dead heat with Attorney General Ken Paxton, with both polling around 25%. The same poll shows incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in third place with 22%.
A separate poll from J.L. Partners showed the same results.
The new numbers have the previous frontrunner on the ropes and spending big to attack Hunt in a slew of ads — Federal Election Commission data shows Paxton’s Super PAC buying airtime for attacks on Hunt, while pro-Cornyn groups, including the Senate Leadership Fund and the National Republican Senate Committee, have spent seven-figures going after a candidate once seen as having little hope in the race.
“Since the day our campaign launched, the Senate Leadership Fund, the NRSC, and John Cornyn have spent millions attacking me,” Hunt said in a news release. “What happened? We surged. Now Team Paxton has joined the same swamp they claimed to be fighting, dumping massive money into negative attacks against someone who served in combat, graduated from West Point, and supported President (Donald) Trump from day one.”
“The result will be the same, and it won’t work,” he continued. “I am the strongest candidate in this primary. I am the best General Election candidate. I am the one who keeps this Senate seat red.”
Crockett picks up another key endorsement
Meanwhile, in the Democratic primary, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett continues gathering support.
Crockett, D-Dallas, announced Friday, Feb. 6, that she earned an endorsement from the Texas Organizing Project (TOP) PAC. TOP is a progressive organization focused on bettering the lives of low-income and working-class families in Texas that has consistently rallied thousands of voters across the state.
“Jasmine Crockett is meeting this political moment with the urgency, intentionality, and solidarity Texans need right now in the U.S. Senate to effectively counter Trump’s destructive MAGA agenda,” TOP Executive Director Brianna Brown said in a statement. “Through her work in Congress and in the community, Jasmine has proven she’s a listener and leader with the skillset needed to not only resist this corrupt regime, but chart a bold new political future for our state, a Texas centered in values where every person can grow and prosper — no matter their age, race, gender, faith, or background.”
The TOP endorsement follows other key endorsements for Crockett, including one from the Service Employees International Union of Texas and the San Antonio Express News.
“I’ve been a member of the Texas Organizing Project and have been in the streets and trenches alongside this organization,” Crockett said. “I know that winning elections happens through organizing and people power. TOP is made up of everyday working people in Texas who want a better and safer life. I have worked alongside them at both the state and federal levels and look forward to continuing this partnership in the U.S. Senate to deliver meaningful legislation for economic opportunities, healthcare, criminal justice, housing, and immigrant rights.”
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas Senate race: Hunt surges as Crockett gains more support
Reporting by Adam Powell, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
