Rep. Wesley Hunt said Monday he will enter the Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, giving party voters an alternative beyond incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Mr. Hunt, who has served in the House since January 2023, said the race had to be about more than “a petty feud between two men who have spent months trading barbs.”

“With my candidacy, this race will finally be about what’s most important — Texas,” Mr. Hunt said.

Mr. Hunt flew Apache helicopters in the military before entering politics and winning a seat in Congress. He represents the 38th Congressional District, which covers parts of Harris County, Texas, and the Houston suburbs.

“I will ensure this campaign centers on what truly matters — Texas families, the protection of American energy, the security of our border, and the safety of every community across our great state,” Mr. Hunt said.

Mr. Hunt will be a wild card in the bitter primary centered on Mr. Cornyn, a longtime senator endorsed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and Mr. Paxton, a hard-charging conservative who survived state impeachment proceedings and says Mr. Cornyn needs to move on.

President Trump hasn’t offered his endorsement to either side.

Mr. Hunt’s entrance into the race could give voters a useful alternative but also cause headaches for the GOP establishment.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee may worry that his bid will exhaust party resources and give Democrats an opening.

“Now that Wesley has chosen personal ambition over holding President Trump’s House majority, there will be a full vetting of his record,” NRSC Communications Director Joanna Rodriguez said. “Senator Cornyn’s conservative record of accomplishment stands tall against Wesley’s.”

Declared candidates on the Democratic side, among others, include former Rep. Colin Allred, who lost a 2024 Senate bid, and state Rep. James Talarico, a rising star who is a frequent media presence.

Mr. Hunt released a three-minute video with words of support from family members, veterans and fellow lawmakers.

The launch video focuses on Mr. Hunt’s personal attributes and, though it shows a photograph of him with Mr. Trump, it does not mention his high-profile opponents.

“The time is NOW. For Faith. For Family. For Freedom. FOR TEXAS,” Mr. Hunt wrote on the X social media platform.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.