Evan Hunt Calls Self’s McKinney Mosque Speech a ‘Publicity Stunt,’ Takes on Gaza and ICE

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

MCKINNEY, Texas – Democratic congressional candidate Evan Hunt accused U.S. Rep. Keith Self of turning the recent McKinney mosque meeting into a political spectacle, calling Self’s appearance a “total publicity stunt.”

Hunt also said his position on Israel has evolved, saying American taxpayers should no longer subsidize the U.S. ally as the war in Gaza continues.

The comments came during a virtual town hall Wednesday night where Hunt took questions on immigration, Gaza, Big Tech, gerrymandering, the Epstein files and his campaign against Self in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District.

“Pulled the Pin on a Cultural Grenade”

Asked about the McKinney City Council meeting over the McKinney Islamic Association’s site plan, Hunt focused much of his answer on Self’s role.

The site plan complied with existing zoning and development requirements, according to city staff. Self urged city leaders to oppose the project before leaving, while Hunt remained through hours of public comments.

“What bothered me most was the lack of leadership,” Hunt said. “Keith Self came into a local zoning meeting, invoked inflammatory claims about Muslims around the world and then left. He didn’t stay for the hours of testimony from the people whose community he represents.”

Hunt said a member of Congress should “lower the temperature, defend the constitutional rights of every constituent, and listen, especially when people are angry or afraid.”

“Instead, he pulled the pin on a cultural grenade and walked out,” Hunt said. “It was a total publicity stunt — and our community paid the price for it.”

Hunt Says His Position on Israel Has Evolved

Asked about Gaza, Hunt said, “I believe in Israel’s right to exist. I believe in Palestinian right to self determination.”

“I don’t believe we need to send money to Israel anymore,” Hunt said.

Hunt also tied the issue to money in politics, saying he does not take money from AIPAC or other PACs, and criticizing the influence of defense-industry money on U.S. foreign policy.

He later expanded on his position to TX3DNews.

“My position has evolved as the war has continued because civilian life is not expendable,” Hunt said. “Israel is a wealthy, technologically advanced country with a capable military. We should treat Israel like every other ally. American taxpayers don’t need to subsidize it.”

“Our role should increasingly be diplomatic: pushing for lasting security for Israel, Palestinian self-determination, humanitarian access, and protection of civilian life,” Hunt continued. “Supporting Israel as an ally does not require writing a blank check to Netanyahu’s government, which has disregarded international law.”

Immigration: Border Enforcement and a Legal Process

On immigration, Hunt criticized current ICE operations away from the border.

“We don’t need performative ICE raids,” Hunt said.

“The people with masks and guns are needed at the border, not in our streets,” Hunt said. “Use technology and sufficient personnel to secure the border, dramatically expand immigration courts so cases don’t take years, and focus federal enforcement on dangerous criminals rather than indiscriminate sweeps of our communities.”

“No for-profit detention centers. No kids locked up. No unnecessary family separation,” he added.

Hunt also backed an earned legal process for longtime undocumented residents who have worked and paid taxes, pointing to the bipartisan Dignity Act as an example.

“We can enforce our laws and secure our border without abandoning common sense or tearing productive families apart,” Hunt said.

Meta Restrictions and Big Tech

Hunt was also asked about his recent experience with Meta and the power social media companies have over political communication.

“A private company was able to restrict a congressional candidate’s ability to communicate with voters, apparently by mistake, with virtually no transparency or meaningful avenue for appeal,” Hunt said.

“I don’t want government deciding what people can say online either,” he added. “But when a handful of companies have this much control over our modern public square, we need transparency, due process, competition and accountability.”

Other Issues

Asked about the Democratic Socialists of America, Hunt rejected positions such as abolishing police or prisons but said part of the group’s message resonates because many Americans believe government isn’t working for them.

“What we have in common is Texas Democrats are very focused on putting the government back to work for regular people,” Hunt said.

On gerrymandering, Hunt supported federal limits on partisan redistricting, saying, “Cities shouldn’t be broken apart. This is all just politicians’ games.”

He also called for greater transparency surrounding the Epstein files, telling participants, “I want to see the trials.”

Asked about Self’s preference for smaller appearances and concerns about security at larger events, Hunt said his opponent should be willing to face constituents in less controlled settings.

“Keith Self shouldn’t be scared of his own constituents here in the 3rd District,” Hunt said.

Looking Ahead in TX-03

Hunt used the town hall to spell out positions on several issues that could become part of the debate between the two candidates heading into November.

Hunt has repeatedly challenged Self to debate, but Self has not agreed. Hunt’s campaign plans to continue its virtual town halls on the second Wednesday of each month, giving voters more opportunities to question him directly before Election Day.