Southwest
Army veteran-turned-MAGA rising star jumps into fiery GOP Senate primary as polls tighten
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas announced Monday that he’s running for the Senate, jumping into an already bitter battle between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and primary challenger Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“The U.S. Senate race in Texas must be about more than a petty feud between two men who have spent months trading barbs,” Hunt said in a statement as he launched his campaign. “With my candidacy, this race will finally be about what’s most important — Texas.”
Hunt’s entry into the race turns up the heat on an already combustible battle between Cornyn, who’s running in 2026 for a fifth six-year term representing red state Texas in the Senate, and Paxton, the MAGA firebrand who’s an ally of President Donald Trump.
Hunt, a West Point graduate who flew Apache helicopters during his Army service and a rising MAGA star who is in his second term representing a safe Republican district in the Houston-area, emphasized in his statement, “My record speaks louder than words. I am the most consistently conservative legislator representing Texas in Congress.”
IS CORNYN CLOSING THE GAP WITH PAXTON IN THE GOP’S MOST COMBUSTIBLE 2026 SENATE PRIMARY?
Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas speaks at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 15, 2024. (Mike Segar – Reuters)
Cornyn, who is backed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, trailed Paxton by double digits at the beginning of the summer.
TRUMP’S SHADOW LOOMS LARGE IN 2025 ELECTION SHOWDOWNS
But Cornyn has narrowed the polling gap in recent weeks, thanks in part to a massive ad blitz by allies that spotlighted the numerous controversies that have battered Paxton over the past decade.
Trump, whose endorsement would make a major impact in the Texas primary battle, has remained neutral to date.
Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas opens a Trump 2024 campaign field office in Philadelphia, on June 4, 2024. (Paul Steinhauser – Fox News )
Hunt, pointing to his backing of Trump as the then-former president launched his 2024 White House comeback, touted that “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.”
FOUR KEY SENATE SEATS THE GOP AIMS TO FLIP IN 2026 MIDTERMS
Hunt had been mulling a Senate run for months and sources confirmed to Fox News earlier this year that the congressman had made his case to Trump’s political team that he’s the only person who could win both a GOP primary and a general election.
Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas is running for re-election in 2026 for a fifth six-year term in the U.S. Senate. (Reuters)
And an aligned super PAC spent big bucks this summer to increase Hunt’s name recognition across the state of Texas.
Paxton adviser Nick Maddux, in a statement to Fox News, said that “Primaries are good for our party and our voters, and Paxton and Hunt both know that Texans deserve better than the failed, anti-Trump record of John Cornyn.”
But Cornyn campaign senior adviser Matt Mackowiak argued in a statement that “Rep. Wesley Hunt is a legend in his own mind. No one is happier this morning than the national Democrats who are watching Wesley continue his quixotic quest for relevancy, costing tens of millions of dollars that will endanger the Trump agenda from being passed.”
Hunt’s entry into the GOP nomination race could prevent the winner of next March’s primary from winning a majority of the vote, which would trigger a runoff election two and a half months later.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, seen at the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, is primary challenging GOP Sen. John Cornyn in the 2026 election. (Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Democrats are hoping for a Paxton victory in the primary, which they believe would make next year’s general election more competitive.
It’s been nearly four decades since a Democrat won a Senate election in Texas. You have to go back to the 1988 re-election victory by then-Sen. Lloyd Bentsen.
Former Rep. Colin Allred, who lost last November’s Senate election in Texas to conservative firebrand Sen. Ted Cruz by over 8 points, is running for the 2026 Democratic nomination, along with rising star Texas state Rep. James Talarico and former astronaut Terry Virts.
Read the full article from Here
Southwest
Pregnant widow shares husband’s final text before alleged fatal sucker punch outside Arizona bar
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A pregnant widow recalled the last text message from her husband before he was killed in an altercation outside a bar in Scottsdale, Arizona, earlier this month.
Thomas John “TJ” Pizzitola, 29, was found lying unconscious on a sidewalk around 2:15 a.m. on Oct. 11 near Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge, after he and two friends were kicked out for unruly behavior, FOX10 Phoenix reported.
Pizzitola and his two friends had been walking outside to a rideshare pickup when one friend allegedly bumped into a woman. Drew Meneses, 24, then allegedly sucker-punched Pizzitola, knocking him unconscious.
Pizzitola’s wife, Krisan, said she had dropped him off at the lounge for what was supposed to be a fun night out with his friends just weeks before their son was due to be born.
ALLEGED DRUNKEN DRIVER BLAMES FASHION FAIL FOR CRASH THAT KILLED MAN ON FIRST DATE: REPORT
Thomas John “TJ” Pizzitola, 29, had gone out for a night with friends when the incident happened in the early morning hours of Oct. 11 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Pizzitola Family via FOX10 Phoenix KSAZ)
“I texted him that I had gotten home and he texted me back and said that he wished that I was there, but that he was so proud of me for staying home and taking care of our baby boy and that he loved me,” Krisan told the outlet.
“That was the last text I ever got from him,” she added.
Pizzitola was rushed to a hospital, though he later died from a fatal brain injury.
On Oct. 22, police arrested five people in connection with his death, including Meneses, who was charged with second-degree murder.
Drew Meneses, 24, was charged with second-degree murder and is being held on $1 million bond. (Scottsdale Police Department / Maricopa County Jail)
Meneses is being held on $1 million bond. He told the court that the incident “was a bad night,” according to the outlet.
“It was not supposed to happen like that at all and there was no malicious intent for that at all,” he said.
Prosecutor Angela Andrews said cellphone video shows Pizzitola “standing with his arms to his side” when Meneses walks “up behind him and essentially sucker punch him in the head,” according to the outlet.
CHICAGO FATHER DIES IN CRASH AFTER SMASH-AND-GRAB SUSPECT FLEES WITH $700K OF LOUIS VUITTON GOODS
The other suspects include Julius Husser, 27, Tony Becker, 26, and Mark Whitford, 23, all of whom were charged with aggravated assault. Husser and Becker each face an additional charge of assault. A fifth suspect, 27-year-old Krista Molina, was charged with assault and disorderly conduct.
Julius Husser, 27, from left, Tony Becker, 26, and Mark Whitford, 23, and Krista Molina, 27, were all charged in connection with the assault. (Scottsdale Police Department / Maricopa County Jail)
Krisan is due to give birth to a baby boy next month.
“I’m trying so hard not to be so angry at this situation and try to be the strong woman that he thinks that I am,” she told the outlet.
Krisan added that she is going to name the child TJ Vito as a tribute to his late father.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“All he ever wanted to be was the best father ever and the best husband,” she said. “But he wasn’t finished.”
A GoFundMe page for the family said Pizzitola will continue to help others through organ donation.
Read the full article from Here
Southwest
13-year-old girl narrowly escapes broad daylight abduction after biting masked attacker
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A 13-year-old girl in Texas narrowly escaped an attempted abduction in broad daylight Monday when a man tried to grab her from behind as she walked to school, authorities said. Officials said the suspect appeared to be wearing a ski mask.
The encounter happened as the teenager was walking to Central Middle School in Galveston shortly before 7 a.m., when she suddenly “heard footsteps approaching from behind,” according to the Galveston Police Department.
The unidentified man reportedly grabbed her from behind, sparking a brief struggle.
The teen bit the man twice and broke free without sustaining any physical injuries, officials said. She then ran directly to the school and informed her teachers, who called the police.
INVESTIGATORS RELEASE VIDEO OF POSSIBLE ABDUCTION, SHOWING WOMAN SCREAMING AS SHE’S PULLED AWAY
The man accused of attempting to kidnap a 13-year-old girl is seen walking in Galveston, Texas, Oct. 27, 2025. (Galveston Police Department)
The student’s parents later arrived at the school to accompany officers back to their apartment and retrace her route, helping them pinpoint exactly where the incident occurred.
Investigators obtained security footage from a nearby business that shows the student walking through the area, followed shortly by a man taking the same path, police said.
SUV DRIVER RUNS OVER 8-YEAR-OLD BOY ON BIKE, FLEES THE SCENE AFTER CHECKING ON INJURED CHILD
A man seen on surveillance video is accused of grabbing a 13-year-old girl walking to school in Galveston, Texas, Oct. 27, 2025. (Galveston Police Department/Google Maps)
Authorities said the video shows the suspect, believed to be a white or Hispanic male, wearing a black short-sleeve shirt, blue jeans and what appeared to be a ski mask.
Police also issued an alert to local medical centers, asking them to notify authorities if anyone sought treatment for bite-related injuries.
Police say a man with what appeared to be a ski mask tried to abduct a 13-year-old girl in Galveston, Texas, Oct. 27, 2025. (Galveston Police Department)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Officials urged anyone with information about the suspect’s identity to contact the Galveston Police Department at 409-763-3777.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Galveston Police Department for more information.
Read the full article from Here
Southwest
Trump’s shadow looms over Texas race as Hunt accuses Cornyn of betrayal
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
FIRST ON FOX: The primary battle for Sen. John Cornyn’s seat in Texas continues to rage on as newly announced candidate, Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, unleashed on the incumbent in an interview with Fox News Digital, saying the GOP “has left him.”
Hunt, who entered the race earlier this month, did not mince words when ripping Cornyn over an alleged anti-President Donald Trump voting record and pointed to a number of Truth Social posts and reposts from Trump from 2023.
“John Cornyn has spent 35 million dollars over the course of the past few months to still find himself in third place and polling in the low thirties,” Hunt told Fox News Digital. “There’s still 20% of the electorate that’s undecided, which means that there’s clearly room for us.”
TEXAS FINDS THOUSANDS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS REGISTERED TO VOTE ON STATE VOTER ROLLS
Rep. Wesley Hunt, right, blasted Sen. John Cornyn, left, over his alleged anti-President Donald Trump voting record. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images / Allison Robbert/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“I’ve gotten into this race to give the true conservative Texan an option,” Hunt continued. “And that’s going to be between me and Ken Paxton, because, unfortunately for John Cornyn, he’s not going to make it. This party has left him.”
Cornyn punched back at Hunt’s claims in a statement to Fox News Digital, calling the congressman a “show horse.”
“Senator Cornyn has voted with President Trump 99.3% of the time he’s been in the White House,” Cornyn campaign senior advisor Matt Mackowiak told Fox News Digital. “Is Wesley Hunt calling President Trump liberal? Wesley Hunt voted for Hillary Clinton in 2008 and didn’t vote for Trump in November 2016.”
JASMINE CROCKETT ASKS WHAT BLACK WOMAN ‘HURT’ TRUMP IN THE PAST
Senate candidate Welsey Hunt is also facing Ken Paxton in the GOP primary. President Trump’s potential endorsement could play a big role in the election. (Left to right: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images; MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
“He’s missed 27% of all House votes THIS YEAR when President Trump needed him with a 2 or 3 seat margin,” Mackowiak continued. “While show horses like Wesley Hunt run their mouth, Sen. Cornyn works to effectively represent Texas, deliver conservative victories and advance Trump’s agenda.”
Hunt blasted Cornyn on the voting record the senator defended, saying the incumbent has not stood with Trump and is lying about his voting history.
“He has not stood with the president while he is trying to run ads, and he is saying he has voted with President Trump 99% of the time,” Hunt told Fox News Digital. “We all know that that’s a flat out lie. We also know that his Liberty score is 54%.”
VIRGINIA DEMS FLIP ON GERRYMANDERING, BLAME TRUMP FOR REDISTRICTING REVERSAL
“We also know that he is one of the most liberal senators of all the Senate on the Republican side,” Hunt added. “And he has been siding with the uniparty and siding with the RINOs for decades. We already know this. And the best thing about the primary voter here in Texas is that it’s a high information voter.”
Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, speaks at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 15, 2024. (Mike Segar /Reuters)
Hunt also pointed to several Truth Social posts that then-former President Donald Trump posted in 2023 describing how “RINO” and “hopeless” John Cornyn joined Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in “trying to cobble together a series of massive concessions for Cryin’ Chuck Schumer and the Lunatic Left.”
Trump also hit Cornyn on gun control, saying on June 22, 2022, that “RINO Senator John Cornyn of Texas” will “go down in history as the first step in the movement to TAKE YOUR GUNS AWAY.”
Hunt would be the first Black statewide elected official if he were to defeat Cornyn and another primary contender, the sitting state Attorney General Ken Paxton, in the primary.
When asked what a historic win such as that means for the race, Hunt told Fox News Digital that being the first Black statewide elected official is “not important to me.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“What’s most important to me is the fact that I am an American and people are going to vote for me because of the way I view conservatism, the way I view Texas, and they’re going to judge me not based on the color of my skin, but by the content of my character,” Hunt explained.
Paxton could not be reached for comment.
Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news. Story tips can be sent to Preston.Mizell@fox.com and on X @MizellPreston
Read the full article from Here
-
World1 week agoFrance and Germany support simplification push for digital rules
-
Science6 days agoWashington state resident dies of new H5N5 form of bird flu
-
Politics1 week agoLawmakers warned PennDOT of illegal immigrant-CDL crisis before bust; GOP demands answers from Shapiro
-
World1 week agoPoland to close last Russian consulate over ‘unprecedented act of sabotage’
-
News1 week agoHow Every House Member Voted to Release the Epstein Files
-
News1 week agoAnalysis: Is Trump a lame duck now? | CNN Politics
-
Technology1 week agoThe best early Black Friday deals we’ve found so far on laptops, TVs, and more
-
Business1 week ago
Amazon’s Zoox offers free robotaxi rides in San Francisco