By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — President Donald Trump has taken direct aim at Evan Hunt, the Democrat challenging Republican Rep. Keith Self in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, calling him “Reckless, Radical, and Dangerous” in two endorsements posted just days before Election Day.
Trump first posted the endorsement Friday, October 30, and repeated it Sunday, November 1. Both messages named Hunt and criticized his political positions while urging voters to support Self.
Hunt, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, responded by pointing to his 20 years of military service and questioning why the president had singled him out twice.
“Well! Being called ‘Reckless, Radical, and Dangerous’ by the President of the United States was not on my bingo card this morning,” Hunt wrote.
“He has dozens of races to worry about. Yet two days apart, he took the time to attack a Democrat in Texas’s 3rd District by name.”
Hunt argued that Trump’s attention reflected concern about the race.
“I know exactly why. Our numbers are great, and they’re scared.”
Hunt recently shared a hypothetical model using early voting figures through October 29 that showed Democrats narrowly ahead, 50.3% to 49.7%. The projection relies on assumptions about voter preferences based on primary voting history, not actual votes or polling results.
Trump Attacks Hunt’s Political Positions
Trump’s endorsement praised Self’s military service and support for the president’s agenda before turning to Hunt.
The president accused Hunt of opposing tax relief on tips, overtime and Social Security benefits. He also characterized Hunt as supporting higher taxes, open borders and policies involving transgender athletes and medical care for minors.
Hunt disputed Trump’s description of his positions, calling the accusations “blatant lies,” but did not address them individually in his response.
Instead, Hunt pointed to his own military record.
“During 20 years of military service, I commanded squadrons, served multiple combat tours, spent years away from my family, and supported combat air operations protecting our troops on the ground,” Hunt wrote.
He also listed several military decorations, including two Meritorious Service Medals and two Air Medals, before adding:
“But I think I’ll frame this post and hang it with the other awards.”
Hunt Turns His Attention to Self
Hunt also brought up Self’s refusal to commit to a debate during an October 9 NewsNation interview.
Asked about debating his Democratic challenger, Self declined to make a commitment and referred to the congressional seat as his own.
“This is my seat,” Self said.
“His seat,” Hunt repeated in his response.
Self also acknowledged during the interview that his congressional races are normally decided in the Republican primary, but said he was running a strong general-election campaign this year.
Hunt has repeatedly requested a debate, including through public invitations and letters. No debate between the candidates has taken place.
Self’s Comments About Congressional Oaths
Hunt also criticized Self over an October 29 Fox News report in which the congressman discussed potentially challenging the seating of newly elected members affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America.
Self raised concerns about whether members-elect committed to replacing the Constitution could sincerely take an oath to support and defend it.
“You cannot swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution while actively working to destroy it,” Self told Fox News.
Hunt characterized the remarks as a proposal to block Democrats from being sworn into Congress.
Self’s comments specifically concerned members-elect affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, not all Democrats.
Under the Supreme Court’s 1969 decision in Powell v. McCormack, the House cannot exclude a duly elected member who meets the constitutional qualifications for office. No challenge described by Self has been carried out.
A Final Exchange Before Election Day
The exchanges come as Self seeks another term in Congress against Hunt, with both candidates drawing on their military backgrounds during the campaign.
Self is a West Point graduate and retired Army lieutenant colonel. Hunt retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel after 20 years of service.
Trump’s endorsements placed Hunt’s name and political positions directly into the president’s public messaging about the TX-03 election.
Hunt answered by disputing Trump’s description of him and criticizing Self’s handling of the campaign.
“I swore an oath to the Constitution. Not to Donald Trump. I’m not here to bend the knee; I’m here to work for the people of TX-03 and this country.”
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