Trump Nominates Congressional Member as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Hunt is nearing the end of his second term representing his Houston-area district, and finished third in the March 2026 Texas Republican primary for the U.S. Senate, behind Ken Paxton and John Cornyn.

If his appointment is confirmed, Hunt will head to Riyadh amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, as the United States and Israel continue their war against Iran, and fighting intensifies between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Before entering politics, Hunt served as a U.S. Army officer and worked as a diplomatic liaison officer in Saudi Arabia.

In a post on the “X” platform, Hunt said he recognizes “the strategic importance of the U.S.-Saudi partnership and the significant responsibility that comes with this position.”