Texas Congressman Will Hurd Joins Crowded 2024 Republican Field

Former Texas congressman Will Hurd, known for his outspoken criticism of ex-President Donald Trump, made a significant entry into the 2024 presidential race on Thursday morning. Hurd aims to challenge the Republican frontrunner and become the party’s first Black presidential nominee. The 45-year-old Hurd, a former CIA officer, served three terms in Congress before deciding not to seek reelection in 2020.

During an appearance on CBS, Hurd announced his White House bid, stating, “This morning I filed to be the Republican nominee for president of the United States.” In a video launching his campaign, Hurd emphasized that the “soul of our country is under attack” and pledged to address critical issues such as illegal immigration, inflation, crime, and homelessness. Expressing doubt in President Biden’s ability or willingness to solve these problems, Hurd cautioned against nominating former President Trump, whom he described as a “lawless, selfish, failed politician.” Hurd believes that a Trump nomination would ultimately lead to Biden’s reelection and argued that Republicans and America as a whole deserve better.

Hurd’s journey towards politics began after his retirement from the CIA in 2009. Following his undercover service in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, where he spent over eight years, Hurd occasionally briefed members of Congress on the CIA’s role in combating terrorism. It was this experience that prompted his decision to enter the political arena. In 2014, Hurd won his first election to the House of Representatives, representing Texas’ 23rd congressional district, a region that runs along a significant portion of the state’s border with Mexico.

As a member of Congress, Hurd garnered attention for his opposition to Trump’s proposal for a physical border wall. In a 2017 opinion article for USA TODAY, he referred to the wall as a “third-century solution” to a 21st-century problem. Instead, Hurd advocated for a “Smart Wall” that would utilize advanced technology to enhance border security. According to him, a Smart Wall would have the capability to detect and track individuals crossing the border, aiding law enforcement in apprehending them. Hurd’s stance on border security showcased his willingness to challenge conventional approaches in favor of innovative solutions.

While Hurd voted against Trump’s first impeachment, he did not shy away from criticizing the former president’s alleged attempts to influence the 2020 presidential election. In response to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Hurd condemned the event as an attack on democracy and domestic terrorism. His vocal disapproval of Trump’s actions and his consistent criticism of the former president have set him apart from other Republican candidates in the 2024 race.

Hurd’s entrance into the Republican primary race further diversifies an already crowded field, with 11 other candidates vying for the party’s nomination. Prior to Hurd’s announcement, only former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson openly criticized Trump while also running for the 2024 nomination. In an interview with CBS, Hurd expressed confidence in the path to nomination for a Trump critic like himself and urged fellow candidates not to be afraid of the former president’s influence.

However, Hurd’s campaign launch drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Make America Great Again Inc., suggested that Hurd’s entry into the race was a reaction to the decline of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2024 campaign rather than a direct challenge to Trump. On the other hand, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison accused Hurd of aligning himself with Trump’s extreme agenda throughout his congressional career, despite his reputation as a bipartisan lawmaker.

In the wake of Trump’s indictment related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents, Hurd expressed his strong disapproval and stated that he would not support a pardon for the former president. Highlighting the importance of the case and the potential risk to national security, Hurd emphasized the need for due process before any discussions of pardon take place.

As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, Will Hurd’s candidacy adds a new dynamic to the Republican field. His background as a former CIA officer, his criticisms of Trump, and his emphasis on tackling pressing national issues provide voters with an alternative choice within the party. Whether Hurd’s campaign gains momentum and resonates with voters remains to be seen, but his willingness to challenge the status quo signals a potentially transformative journey ahead.