By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
Democratic congressional candidate Evan Hunt spent about 90 minutes answering questions from voters during a town hall Wednesday night at The Guitar Sanctuary.
The event had been discussed as a possible debate in the race for Texas’s 3rd Congressional District, but Republican incumbent Keith Self did not attend.
Why the Event Proceeded Without Self
The town hall was moderated by James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay of the McKinney Podcast. Jenkins said the event moved forward even without both candidates as an effort to encourage civic engagement.
“We all can see that the polarization in our national politics is divisive and toxic,” Jenkins said. “It can be hard to have real conversations with anyone who believes differently than you do.”
He added the McKinney Podcast expects to interview Self in the coming weeks and remains open to moderating a debate later in the election cycle.
Introducing himself to the audience, Hunt described his background as a McKinney resident, business leader, and Air Force veteran.
“I’m a McKinney family man… and a 20-year Air Force combat veteran,” Hunt said.
He said his campaign focuses on direct engagement with voters.
“The only way to overcome those forces that are dividing our communities is to get together, in person, in rooms like this,” he said.
War Powers and U.S. Foreign Policy
One of the first questions focused on Congress’s authority over military action. Hunt argued that lawmakers have gradually ceded too much power to the executive branch.
“By the Constitution, Congress authorizes war,” Hunt said. “Congress has the power of the purse.”
He pointed to the authorizations for use of military force passed after the September 11 attacks.
“The authorization for use of military force is the first thing that needs to be rescinded,” Hunt said. “It’s been 25 years.”
Hunt also warned about potential escalation involving Iran.
“I have a real problem with wars without congressional authority and without clear political objectives,” he said.
Later, responding to an audience question about the possibility of a military draft, Hunt said decisions about entering conflicts carry serious consequences for families and communities.
“If there’s a draft, it’s the law,” Hunt said, noting he has an 18-year-old son. “This is why it’s so important to carefully choose your representatives.”
Healthcare and Economic Concerns
Healthcare costs were another focus of the discussion. Hunt told attendees the issue remains one of the most pressing financial risks facing many families.
“We are all one cancer diagnosis, or one medical emergency away from bankruptcy,” he said.
He argued healthcare should not be treated as a luxury good and said reform could also help small businesses struggling with the cost of employee coverage.
Addressing broader economic pressures, he said businesses rely on stability to plan and invest.
“Business requires stability,” Hunt said. “Businesses plan five years out.”
Immigration and Voting Laws
Asked about immigration policy, Hunt said border enforcement should remain humane.
“We want strong borders,” Hunt said. “We also just want to treat people with dignity and respect.”
On the question about the proposed SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote, Hunt said voter identification requirements are broadly supported but warned the legislation could create problems if implemented too close to an election.
“I’m not against voter ID,” Hunt said. “But we shouldn’t be passing something right before an election that could prevent eligible voters from casting a ballot.”
He also questioned whether many voters would have easy access to documents such as passports or birth certificates.
Moderator James Jenkins briefly noted his own experience renewing a driver’s license after discovering his passport had expired shortly before his appointment, illustrating how documentation requirements can sometimes create unexpected hurdles.
“We should be making it easy for people to vote,” Hunt said.
Public Education and School Funding
Education policy also drew significant discussion. Hunt criticized school voucher proposals in Texas, arguing they could divert funding from public schools.
“We should have the best paid teachers in the country,” Hunt said.
He noted that most students attend public schools and said resources should reflect that.
“We need to put our money where our kids are,” he said.
Question on Muslim Communities and Religious Freedom
During an audience question about Muslim communities and anti-Sharia political messaging, Hunt rejected claims that Muslim Americans pose a threat to American law.
“I don’t fear Muslim Americans,” Hunt said. “I fear extremism.”
Hunt argued the U.S. Constitution already protects against religious law replacing civil law.
“We already have a Constitution,” Hunt said. “Is his faith in the Constitution so low that he doesn’t believe the Constitution can protect us?”
He also criticized what he described as fear-based messaging around Sharia law.
“This anti-Sharia stuff is nonsense,” Hunt said. “It’s the boogeyman they found to blame, marginalize, and dehumanize people.”
A Challenging Political Landscape
Hunt acknowledged the political challenges of running in Texas’s 3rd Congressional District, which has been represented by Republicans in Congress for decades.
He described his campaign as a grassroots effort that does not rely on large outside political funding.
“This campaign is grassroots. No dark money, no special interest. Nobody telling you what to say,” Hunt said.
He said grassroots organizing and direct voter engagement could still make an impact.
“People have more power than they think,” he said.
Civic Engagement Emphasized
In closing remarks, Hunt encouraged voters to stay engaged in the political process.
“Our democracy… does not work if we have a disengaged population,” he said.
Hunt urged attendees to continue participating in civic discussions and community events as the election approaches.