House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed surprise Thursday over Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt’s decision to miss a key vote as House Republicans continue trying to advance their agenda with a razor-thin majority.
Johnson said he expected Hunt, a Texas congressman currently running in a highly competitive three-way Republican Senate primary, to be present as the House moved forward on a procedural vote setting up consideration of four appropriations bills. Those measures included funding for the Department of Homeland Security, one of the most contentious issues before the chamber.
“I expected him to be here so this was a surprise to me,” Johnson told reporters, adding that he had not spoken with Hunt at all during the week. When asked whether Hunt’s absence made it harder for Republicans to govern, Johnson did not mince words.
“We have effectively a one-vote margin, so it doesn’t make the job easier,” he said.
Although Republicans ultimately did not need Hunt’s vote to advance the rule, frustration has been building within GOP leadership over his repeated absences as he campaigns ahead of the March 3 primary. According to data compiled by GovTrack, Hunt missed 46 of 49 roll call votes between Dec. 18, 2025, and Jan. 21, 2026, an absence rate of 94 percent during that period.
Hunt was also absent for three additional roll call votes during a series of votes Thursday morning. House Republicans narrowly advanced the rule by a single vote, 214-213. Every Democrat present voted no, forcing GOP leaders to assemble just enough Republican support to move the process forward.
Several lawmakers made a point of attending despite personal hardship. Arkansas Rep. Steve Womack voted Thursday after announcing the death of his wife, Terri, earlier in the week following 41 years of marriage. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird also cast a vote while wearing a neck brace after a car accident earlier in January that hospitalized both him and his wife.
Other Republicans did not vote, including Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York, Tom McClintock of California, and Andy Harris of Maryland.
Hunt’s absence extended beyond floor votes. He also skipped testimony before the House Judiciary Committee from former special counsel Jack Smith on Thursday, despite being a member of that influential panel.
Since taking office in January 2023, Hunt has missed 327 of 1,641 roll call votes, a 20 percent absence rate over his three-year tenure. By comparison, the median lawmaker has a lifetime absence rate of just 2 percent, according to GovTrack.
A spokesperson for Hunt said that the congressman would return to Washington later Thursday. The spokesperson said Johnson contacted Hunt roughly 30 minutes earlier to say his vote would be needed and that Hunt was en route to the Capitol.
After publication, a Hunt spokesperson added that House leadership had told the congressman earlier in the week that his presence was not required in Washington.
House GOP leaders have repeatedly stressed that attendance is critical given the party’s narrow two-seat majority. Majority Leader Steve Scalise said lawmakers are expected to show up unless dealing with family or health emergencies.
“With a narrow majority, you have a job to do and it’s important for everyone to be here who is able to,” Scalise said. He added that many Republicans running for statewide office still make a point of voting regularly.
“If you’re trying to make an appeal to voters that you want some other job, the best way to do that is by proving how good of a job you’re doing in your current job,” Scalise said.
Hunt, however, downplayed the issue in an interview with ABC 7 Amarillo News, saying Republican primary voters care more about policy positions than attendance records. He said Texans are focused on issues like gun rights, advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda, and securing the southern border.
Hunt currently trails his primary opponents, Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, by double digits, according to Decision Desk HQ polling averages. Cornyn’s campaign has seized on Hunt’s absences, accusing him of putting personal ambition ahead of his duties in Congress.
[READ MORE: Trump Rips Newsom After Davos Appearance, Accuses California Governor of Embarrassing U.S.]
About Post Author
