House Speaker Mike Johnson didn’t see this one coming.

On Thursday, Johnson expressed surprise at Republican Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt’s absence during a critical House vote to advance a rule setting up votes on four appropriations bills, including funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

The rule passed narrowly by a 214-213 margin, with all present Democrats voting against it. Despite Hunt’s absence, Republicans did not ultimately need his vote to move the legislation forward, though GOP leadership remains frustrated by his frequent misses while campaigning for the Texas Senate Republican primary on March 3.

Leadership Frustration Over Missed Votes

The issue has sparked debate among party loyalists who value commitment to the legislative grind. Hunt, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, also skipped former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s testimony on Thursday. His absence adds to a pattern that has irritated GOP leaders, the Daily Caller reported.

According to GovTrack analysis, Hunt missed 46 out of 49 roll call votes— a staggering 94%—between Dec. 18, 2025, and Jan. 21, 2026. Over his three-year tenure since January 2023, he’s been absent for 327 out of 1,641 votes, a 20% rate compared to the median lawmaker’s 2%. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a signal.

Johnson didn’t mince words when addressing reporters about Hunt’s no-show. “I expected him to be here, so this was a surprise to me,” he said. Haven’t spoken to Hunt all week, the Speaker’s frustration hints at a deeper rift.

Hunt’s Campaign Takes Priority

Hunt’s focus seems squarely on the brutal three-way Texas Senate primary race, where he’s trailing opponents Sen. John Cornyn and State Attorney General Ken Paxton by double digits per Decision Desk HQ polls. Cornyn’s campaign didn’t hold back, with spokesman Matt Mackowiak accusing Hunt of putting “selfish political ambitions” before his duties. That’s a jab that stings with truth for many party faithful.

House GOP leadership, including Majority Leader Steve Scalise, has repeatedly stressed that lawmakers must show up unless facing family or health emergencies, given the razor-thin two-seat majority. Scalise doubled down, saying, “Every member needs to be here doing their job.” It’s hard to argue with that logic when every vote counts.

Contrast Hunt’s absence with the dedication of others like Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas, who voted despite announcing the passing of his wife Terri after 41 years of marriage on Monday. Or Rep. Jim Baird of Indiana, casting his ballot in a neck brace after a January car accident. These men showed up; Hunt didn’t.

Excuses and Explanations Fall Short

A spokesperson for Hunt told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the Speaker reached out just 30 minutes before a needed afternoon vote, and Hunt was en route to Washington, D.C., to cast his ballot. They also claimed a member of House leadership confirmed on Tuesday that his presence wasn’t required this week. Sounds like a game of telephone gone wrong.

But let’s be real—communication mix-ups don’t excuse a pattern of absence. With Republicans effectively operating on a one-vote margin, as Johnson noted, each absence risks derailing the agenda so many fought hard to advance. It’s not just about one vote; it’s about reliability.

Hunt himself shrugged off the criticism in a Texas outlet interview on Monday, claiming primary voters don’t care about attendance. He argued they’re more focused on whether he’ll secure the border or support President Trump’s policies. That’s a bold bet, but dodging duty isn’t the way to prove you’re the fighter they need.

Narrow Margins Demand Full Commitment

The Thursday vote’s tight 214-213 outcome, with other Republicans like Elise Stefanik, Tom McClintock, and Andy Harris also missing, underscores how precarious the GOP’s position is. Democrats voting in lockstep against the rule meant every Republican present was critical. Hunt’s absence, even if not decisive this time, chips away at trust.

Scalise’s point about proving your worth through current performance hits the mark. If Hunt wants a bigger stage in the Senate, shouldn’t he first show he can handle the one he’s on? Voters aren’t likely to reward someone who’s already checked out.

This isn’t about personal vendettas; it’s about principle. The GOP’s narrow majority means every member must pull their weight to pass key bills like DHS funding, which directly impacts border security—a top concern for many Americans. Hunt’s campaign trail focus risks sidelining these priorities.

As the March 3 primary looms, Hunt needs to decide where his loyalty lies. Is it with the constituents who elected him to Congress, or with a future ambition that’s not yet his? For now, his empty seat in the House speaks louder than any campaign promise.