Republican Senate hopeful Mike Hunt said on Tuesday that it is time for a new generation of "American first patriots" to assume leadership as he launches his campaign for the 2026 Texas Senate race.
What the Right Is Saying
State GOP Chair Jeff Wentworth praised Hunt's message as a call for fresh leadership, saying the candidate "embodies the values of everyday Texans who want a new generation to carry forward the principles of limited government and personal responsibility" (The Hill).
Other Republican figures, including former Rep. Dan Crenshaw, highlighted Hunt's emphasis on national security and border integrity, noting that younger conservatives are eager to bring new ideas to the Senate (The Hill).
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic leaders and progressive organizations have described Hunt's phrasing as echoing nationalist rhetoric that they argue can marginalize minority communities, with Senate Minority Leader Tammy Baldwin noting that the language "invokes a divisive us‑versus‑them narrative" (The Hill).
The Congressional Progressive Caucus issued a statement urging voters to consider candidates who promote inclusive policies, arguing that the focus on "American first" can obscure the contributions of immigrant and LGBTQ+ Americans (The Hill).
What the Numbers Show
A Texas Politics Project poll released March 1 indicates that Hunt holds 12% support among likely Republican primary voters, while front‑runner Dan Crenshaw leads with 38% (Texas Politics Project).
Federal Election Commission filings show Hunt has raised roughly $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared with Crenshaw's $5.4 million, reflecting a fundraising gap between the candidates (FEC).
The Bottom Line
Hunt's call for a "next generation of American first patriots" highlights an intra‑party debate over the direction of the Texas GOP as it prepares for the 2026 Senate election, with poll data and fundraising figures indicating that while his message resonates with a segment of the base, he trails the party's leading contenders.