Evan Hunt Energizes Supporters in Texas’ 3rd District Congressional Race

Evan Hunt kicked off his 2026 congressional campaign with a community-focused event in McKinney, highlighting service, local partnerships, and voter engagement in Texas’ 3rd District.

McKinney, TX  — Evan Hunt, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Texas’ 3rd District, launched his 2026 campaign on Wednesday evening at a McKinney event attended primarily by Democratic supporters. The gathering featured campaign introductions, a community organization presentation, and a public Q&A covering issues such as the minimum wage, Social Security, education, healthcare, and women’s rights.

Kevin Numerick, Hunt’s campaign manager, opened the event by noting strong attendance and stating that the campaign had outraised Rep. Keith Self in its first quarter. According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, both campaigns reported similar total receipts through the first half of 2025. Hunt’s fundraising came entirely from individual donations, while Self’s included a combination of individual and political action committee contributions.

Self, who has represented TX-03 since 2023, has prioritized border security, military funding, and reducing federal spending, according to his campaign website.

Heather Molsbee of The Samaritan Inn, a nonpartisan McKinney nonprofit that provides housing and support for people experiencing homelessness, spoke about its 42-year mission. Attendees participated in a donation drive for the organization, which Hunt’s campaign has supported to help highlight community service, though the campaign is not formally affiliated with the organization.

Jeremy Sutka, Collin County Democratic Party Chair, addressed voter mobilization, referencing historical Texas quorum breaks in 1870, 1979, 2003, and 2021 as examples of legislative protest. He described the current political climate as polarized and urged attendees to engage as precinct chairs. No Republican or independent party representatives spoke at the event, reflecting its Democratic-leaning audience.

Hunt, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and McKinney resident, spoke after a campaign video, emphasizing public service and dialogue. “I’m running because I believe in addressing challenges through accountability,” he said. A 20-year military veteran, Hunt highlighted his experience protecting troops, leading airmen, and working in the drone industry, as well as his roots in McKinney, where he lives with his family.

The Q&A session addressed voter concerns. On the minimum wage, Hunt supported an increase, stating that if adjusted for 1980s inflation, it would be about $23 today. He advocated for expanding access to vocational training and providing more support to small businesses. Critics, including some Republicans, argue that significant wage hikes could raise costs for businesses, potentially leading to job cuts.

On Social Security, Hunt endorsed lifting the payroll tax cap to ensure solvency, citing bipartisan proposals. He criticized Self’s past remarks on the issue, referencing a statement from the congressman that he “doesn’t have a dog in that fight.” Some conservatives propose alternatives such as adjusting benefits or introducing private accounts to address the program’s challenges.

A young attendee raised concerns about college affordability and healthcare access, noting they were removed from Medicaid after earning $300 at age 16. Hunt criticized universities’ high costs, suggesting some operate more like financial entities than educational institutions. “You’re not really a university, you’re a hedge fund,” he said. He called for affordable education and employment-independent health insurance. Higher education experts often attribute rising tuition to administrative growth and reduced state funding, while healthcare debates include calls for market-based reforms.

An independent voter from a household with same-sex parents asked how Hunt would appeal to moderates in Republican-leaning TX-03. Hunt said he would focus on “kitchen table issues” such as jobs and healthcare, adding, “I’ll talk to anybody about any issue.” He acknowledged disagreements with some Biden administration policies, including border security.

On women’s rights, Hunt supported restoring abortion exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies, stating, “Women should be able to make their own choices about their bodies.” Supporters of Texas’ current laws, including many Republican lawmakers, cite fetal protection as a guiding principle in the ongoing policy debate.

Younger attendees asked about combating online extremism and engaging non-voters. Hunt said he uses TikTok to reach voters, emphasizing dialogue to counter divisive rhetoric. He suggested focusing on shared values such as fairness, though no questions were raised on conservative priorities like tax policy or gun rights.

Asked about unifying Democrats, Hunt said a strong candidate and organized campaign would naturally align supporters, focusing on “winning issues.” A local Republican voter, contacted separately by TX3DNews, expressed interest in hearing Hunt’s stance on fiscal policy, given Self’s focus on reducing federal spending.

Hunt’s friend and former colleague, Jerry, introduced him, sharing anecdotes about Hunt’s leadership, such as ensuring no one was left behind on a ski trip. Hunt referenced historical figures including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., and former Texas Governor Ann Richards to underscore governance principles—a tactic used by candidates across the political spectrum.

TX3DNews reached out to Rep. Self’s team for comment on Hunt’s launch and will publish any response once received. The TX-03 race is expected to be competitive, with Republican, Democratic, and independent voters in Collin County evaluating candidates’ platforms ahead of 2026. TX-03 includes parts of Collin County, one of the fastest-growing regions in North Texas.