By RJ Morales | TX3DNews
Side-by-Side: How Two TX-03 Candidates Handled Their Latest Public Events
Within a span of days, voters in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District (TX-03) had the chance to see both the incumbent, Rep. Keith Self (R), and one of his Democratic challengers, Evan Hunt, in action. While both events gave constituents an opportunity to hear from the candidates, the structure, tone, and style of interaction offered sharply different experiences.
Evan Hunt is one of two Democrats currently running to represent Texas’ 3rd Congressional District. Jordan Wheatley, a Plano resident and school teacher, has also announced his candidacy.
Evan Hunt’s Campaign Launch — McKinney
Evan Hunt, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, officially kicked off his 2026 congressional campaign at a McKinney venue that drew over 200 attendees. The crowd was a mix of Democrats, independents, and Republicans, reflecting the campaign’s outreach beyond party lines.
Entry & Atmosphere
Attendance required an RSVP, which could be completed online. As part of the RSVP process, attendees had the option to make a donation in compliance with campaign finance laws, but it was not required for entry. Food and drinks were available, adding to the welcoming and social atmosphere. Police presence was not visible, and the mood was energetic, celebratory, and conversational. No restrictions on signs, shirts, or bags were noted, and campaign apparel was worn only by event volunteers.
Open Questions, Open Floor
After prepared remarks, Hunt opened the floor for questions. A microphone was passed from attendee to attendee, with no pre-screening of topics. Questions ranged from the minimum wage to Social Security, healthcare, education, and women’s rights. Attendees were not asked in advance what they would ask, and the exchanges remained respectful.
Detailed, Policy-Focused Responses
Hunt’s answers tended to be detailed and policy-specific. On Social Security, he endorsed lifting the payroll tax cap, citing bipartisan proposals. On women’s rights, he supported restoring abortion exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies. He also discussed vocational training, affordable healthcare, and engaging young voters. While many responses aligned with Democratic policy positions, Hunt also noted disagreements with aspects of the Biden administration’s border policy.
He emphasized his willingness to speak with anyone, including independents and Republicans, on shared priorities.
Keith Self’s Town Hall — Prosper
Rep. Keith Self, who has represented TX-03 since 2023, hosted his town hall at a Prosper venue with about 40 attendees — many of them familiar faces from his previous events. Police presence was visible both outside and inside the venue. Staff and supporters have said the heightened security was due to threats following a past town hall in Wylie.
Strict Entry Rules and Limitations
The event was free to attend, but the entry process was more formal than Hunt’s. Attendees were required to show photo ID, provide proof of residence, and have their information recorded. Upon arrival, each person was given a number. To ask a question, attendees had to register at check-in and state the topic in advance. A posted sign at the entrance prohibited bullhorns, signs of any kind, and disruptive behavior, warning that disrupters would be escorted out. Bags were subject to search.
Q&A Format and Rules
During the question-and-answer period, numbers were called and only attendees who had pre-registered a topic were allowed to ask questions.
Talking Points Over Specifics
Self’s answers frequently followed broad talking points rather than detailed policy specifics. On redistricting, he defended Texas’s proposed map as a legislative prerogative while criticizing Democratic-led states — without noting that some of those states use independent or bipartisan commissions.
When asked about a controversial flag displayed on a Weston parade float alongside “Self for Congress” signage and campaign shirts, Self suggested it may have been planted. He said city officials had apologized to him but did not acknowledge any potential missteps by his staff. After the event, his staff told the constituent who asked the question that they believed Democrats had planted the flag. Individuals connected to the float have confirmed to TX3DNews that the display was by Trump supporters, not Democrats.
On a question about a Muslim-led housing development, Self warned it could lead to “Sharia law” and “no-go zones” for police. In making his point, he added, “Well, it’s illegal to beat your wife,” a remark that appeared to be an awkwardly phrased critique of Sharia law rather than a change of topic. The comment drew puzzled reactions from some attendees. Public records show no indication that Sharia-based legal restrictions or related policies have been proposed, and TX3DNews has requested comment from Epic City officials.
Self also occasionally interrupted constituents mid-question, asking them to state their question directly rather than provide extended background or commentary, which contributed to the overall feel of a tightly controlled event.
TX3DNews reached out to Rep. Self’s office for clarification on multiple remarks from the town hall. As of publication, no response has been received.
Two Styles, Two Visions of Engagement
Hunt’s launch featured open participation — questions were not screened, topics were not restricted, and exchanges remained respectful. Self’s town hall required pre-registration for questions, advance disclosure of topics, and moderator approval before speaking. Hunt framed this openness as part of building dialogue across political lines, while Self’s format concentrated on managing the flow and content of the event.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 TX-03 race unfolds, voters will have more chances to see how candidates address policy and public interaction. These early events not only preview their positions, but also reveal how each engages with — and listens to — the people they seek to represent.
Editor’s Note: TX3DNews attended both events described in this report. We requested comment from Rep. Self’s office on specific statements made during his town hall; no response had been received at the time of publication.