Christopher Hurt

Christopher Hurt was born in Austin, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army from 2020 to 2024. He earned a bachelor's degree from American Military University in 2022.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Christopher Hurt, a U.S. Army veteran, constitutional conservative, and candidate for Congress in Texas’s 10th District.

I’m not a politician. I’m a soldier, a national security student, and a man of faith who believes public office is a duty, not a title. I served as an intelligence analyst with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), 3rd Battalion, deploying twice in defense of American lives.

I was born in Austin and raised between Texas and Oklahoma, where I learned the value of hard work, personal responsibility, and service to something greater than yourself. During my time in the Army, I earned a degree in Intelligence Studies from American Military University. I'm currently completing a Master's in National Security at King’s College London, not to build a résumé, but to prepare for the next fight, this time here at home.

Now I’m running for Congress to bring real-world experience, academic rigor, constitutional discipline, and genuine Texas grit back to Washington.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Service Before Politics.

I am a U.S. Army veteran. I’ve worn the uniform, worked in real-time national security operations, and studied global threats at one of the world’s top defense programs. Now I’m stepping up to serve again, this time in Congress, because Texans deserve leaders who put duty, discipline, and country first.

I bring the perspective of a soldier, the training of an analyst, and the conviction of a citizen who's had enough of broken promises. I'll bring discipline, accountability, and results to Washington because Texans deserve more than talk. They deserve action.Texas Solutions, Not Washington Excuses.

I'm running to return power to the people of Texas, not to expand Washington's control. My plan prioritizes securing the border, unleashing domestic energy, revitalizing American manufacturing, and restoring fiscal discipline. I'll fight to cut bureaucratic waste, protect constitutional freedoms, and make government work for the people who actually pay the bills, not lobbyists or federal insiders.Real-World Experience. Results-Driven Leadership.

I have served in uniform, earned my degree while on active duty, and studied national security alongside global leaders. This wasn't to climb ladders, but to be ready for the next fight here at home. I bring the perspective of a soldier, the training of an analyst, and the conviction of a citizen who's had enough of broken promises. I'll bring discipline, accountability, and results to Washington because Texans deserve more than talk. They deserve action.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Term Limits, National Security, and Veterans

Our Congressman has shown us firsthand why serving in Congress for over 20 years is a bad deal! I will work to implement term limits for Congress to combat corruption.

As a former Army intelligence analyst, I’ve worked in real-world threat environments where failure isn’t an option. I believe America must return to a posture of strength, one that secures our borders, deters our adversaries, and rebuilds trust in our defense and

intelligence institutions.

I’m also committed to transforming how we treat our veterans. From transition support to VA reform, we continue to fall short of what our servicemembers deserve. I want to bring real accountability to that system.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to people who lead by example, the kind of people who don’t need a title to make an impact.

At Birdville High School, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Freeman, and Ms. Allibon were three teachers who helped shape my character. They challenged me to think critically, take responsibility, and keep pushing even when things were hard. They didn’t just teach; they invested in me. Their belief in who I could become still motivates me today.

I also had the chance to work with John C. Reilly on Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. I was just a kid, showing up to set two hours early every day to finish my schoolwork before filming. While the other kids were off to school, John hung out with me. We jammed between scenes, talked about music, and he treated me like a peer, not just another young actor. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. That kind of humility and kindness from someone so accomplished made a real impact on me.

These are the people I look up to, teachers and mentors who show up, lead with quiet strength, and make others better simply by being who they are. That’s the kind of leader I want to be.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

If someone wants to understand my political philosophy, I’d say start with the U.S. Constitution, not as a political document, but as a promise. I took an oath to defend it when I wore the uniform, and I still live by it. Everything I believe about leadership, liberty, and limited government starts there.

That said, I’m not just shaped by founding documents, I’m shaped by real-world leadership and by moments that challenge your character. One book that stuck with me is “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink. It’s about taking full responsibility, leading from the front, and never blaming someone else when something goes wrong. That mindset shaped how I served, and it’s how I’d lead in Congress.

And honestly? I’d throw in a few episodes of Ted Lasso. There’s something powerful about leading with decency and believing people can rise when given the chance. Washington could use a lot more humility and a little less ego.

I believe in speaking truth to power, leading with conviction, and fighting for the freedoms that make America worth defending. If you understand that, then you know why I’m running.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

For me, the most important characteristics in an elected official are integrity, discipline, humility, and the willingness to put service before self.

I’m not running for Congress because I need a title or want a platform. I’m running because I’ve lived through the consequences of poor leadership, both abroad and here at home, and I believe we need representatives who are grounded in principle, not ambition.

As a U.S. Army veteran and former intelligence analyst with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), I’ve operated in high-pressure environments where the margin for error is zero and accountability is a matter of life or death. That background shaped how I approach leadership. You do your job. You take responsibility. You don’t cut corners, and you don’t put yourself ahead of the mission.

In Congress, the mission is the people, not the party, not the lobbyists, not the headlines. That means fighting for transparency, standing up for what you believe in, and remembering that genuine public service requires selfless dedication and sacrifice. If you’re not willing to lose your job over doing what’s right, then you have no business being there in the first place.

I believe in constitutional discipline, in telling the truth even when it costs you politically, and in listening more than you speak. An elected official should be a servant-leader, someone who builds trust, keeps their word, and always puts country and community first.

That’s the standard I’ll hold myself to, and the one I believe voters deserve from anyone asking for their trust.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe what would make me a successful officeholder isn’t just my experience; it’s the values I live by. In the Army, we’re taught the leadership model of LDRSHIP: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. I didn’t just learn those words, I lived them.

Loyalty and duty mean showing up for the people you serve, not for party leadership or special interests. Respect and Selfless Service mean listening more than you talk, putting your district first, and never forgetting who you work for. Honor and integrity mean doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. Personal courage means taking tough votes, standing firm on principle, and not backing down when it matters most.

I’m not running for attention or ambition, I’m running because I believe service doesn’t stop when you hang up the uniform. I bring discipline, focus, and a deep respect for the Constitution. I’ll work hard, stay grounded, and do what I say I’ll do. That shouldn’t be rare in politics, but it is. And I intend to change that.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of a member of Congress is to represent the people, not the party, not the special interests, and not Washington insiders. When you’re elected to this office, you’re sent to fight for the values, freedoms, and livelihoods of the people who trusted you with their vote.

That means defending the Constitution without compromise. It means protecting our borders, restraining federal overreach, and ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely, not wasted on bloated bureaucracy. It means showing up, doing the work, and voting with discipline and clarity.

We need a Congressman who listens to us. I believe one of the most overlooked responsibilities in Congress is maintaining a connection to the people back home. You don’t just cast votes, you hold town halls, answer questions, walk into rooms that don’t always agree with you, and earn that trust every single day.

As someone who’s served in uniform and operated in intelligence, I also believe this office carries a national security responsibility. You’re not just shaping domestic policy; you’re part of the oversight and direction of America’s role in the world. That demands seriousness, restraint, and a clear understanding of what we’re asking our troops to do.

In short, you don’t go to Congress to chase headlines or fatten your wallet. You go to represent the people, defend their rights, and uphold the oath you took, just like I did in uniform.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I’m not running to be famous; I’m running to be useful. If I have the honor of serving in Congress, I want my legacy to be that I showed up, listened, led with integrity, and never forgot who I worked for.

I want to be remembered as a unifier, someone who worked behind the scenes to bring people together, solve real problems, and put the country ahead of politics. I’m not interested in chasing headlines or building a brand. I care about doing what’s right, even if no one’s watching.

Whether it was in uniform, in the classroom, or in my work on national security policy, I’ve always believed that authentic leadership isn’t loud, it’s consistent, principled, and grounded in service. That’s how I’ll lead in Congress.

If folks back home can say, “He didn’t care about the spotlight, he cared about us. He fought for veterans, stood up for the Constitution, protected our communities, and helped bring some sanity back to Washington,” then I’ll know I did the job right.

That’s the legacy I’m working toward. Quiet strength. Honest service. Real impact.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first major historical event I remember is September 11, 2001. I was in Oklahoma City, watching the towers get hit and fall on live television from my living room. I’ll never forget the shock, the confusion, and the sense that everything had changed in an instant.

Just a few months later, in February 2002, I moved to New York City as a young actor. The city was still reeling. I remember seeing the National Guard in subway stations, NYPD on every corner, and the smoke still rising from Ground Zero. It was a powerful reminder that the world doesn’t stop when tragedy strikes, and that people, especially New Yorkers, continue to move forward.

That experience stayed with me. It shaped my perception of my country, and years later, it was part of what led me to enlist in the U.S. Army. September 11th wasn’t just a national turning point; for me, it was personal.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as an actor, and I started at a young age. I landed my first paying role in the 4th grade, starring in a Christmas car commercial in Oklahoma City. I still remember the line: “$5,000 Christmas cash!” That was the start of what became a 20-year acting career. It taught me discipline, resilience, and how to show up prepared, skills that stayed with me through military service and now into public life.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I have just finished reading "The Secret History of Intelligence," and I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to history and national security, and this book dives deep into the roots of espionage, strategy, and how information has shaped world events. It’s not just about spycraft, it’s about decision-making, leadership under pressure, and the power of knowing what others don’t.

It hit especially close to home for me because of my background as an intelligence analyst. I’ve lived in parts of that world, and reading about its historical context gave me a deeper appreciation for how those early intelligence efforts still shape the world we navigate today.

It’s not a casual read by any means, but if you love history, strategy, and learning how the world works behind the scenes, it’s a great one.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Okay, this might be unexpected, but if I could be any fictional character, I’d go with Asta from Black Clover.

He’s born without magic in a world where your entire worth is based on how much magic you have, and instead of backing down, he trains harder, pushes further, and finds his way. What I truly admire is his determination, grit, and refusal to quit, regardless of how many people doubt him.

That attitude, the idea that you don’t need special advantages to make a difference, just the will to outwork and outlast, is precisely how I’m approaching this campaign. I’m not a career politician. I don’t have a political machine behind me. But I do have the drive to serve, the discipline to do the work, and the conviction to keep going, no matter how tough the road gets.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

My playlist is all over the place, ranging from country to classic rock, movie scores, and, yes, a solid lineup of musical theatre. Lately, I’ve been back in that zone, and the song that’s been stuck in my head most recently is “Seven Wonders” from Catch Me If You Can.

Then there’s “Defying Gravity” from Wicked; it never misses. “Fun” from Big: The Musical brings back that joyful energy, and “Solla Sollew” from Seussical. That one always gets me, it’s hopeful, quiet, and a little bit bittersweet in the best way.

But one of my favorite stories tied to this goes back to basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. We were on a long ruck, everyone was exhausted, and someone shouted, “Hey, Hurt. sing something!” So I did the only thing that felt right in that moment: I belted “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” from Oklahoma!. In the middle of a grueling march, in boots and gear, I was out there singing Rodgers & Hammerstein like we were on Broadway. I think half of them laughed, and the other half just appreciated the distraction.

I grew up performing before I ever put on a uniform, and honestly, that side of me never really left. Music still grounds me. It reminds me who I am, and sometimes, you need that, whether you’re on a stage, in a fight, or running for Congress. So, if you see me driving through the district singing show tunes at a red light... now you know why.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the biggest struggles in my life has been dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, the kind that creeps in after service, long after the uniform comes off. I’ve had panic attacks. I’ve had days that felt impossible. And for a while, I thought I had to hide it and that strength meant staying silent.

But I’ve learned that real strength is fighting through it, being honest about it, and using your voice to help others who are struggling in silence.

Every day in this country, an estimated 22 veterans and active-duty service members take their own lives. That number haunts me. I’ve served alongside some incredible people, and I know how many are still fighting battles no one sees. I want them to know: you’re not alone. Your struggle doesn’t make you weak. And I’m going to fight every day to get that number down to zero.

This isn’t just a talking point to me. It’s personal. And it’s one of the driving reasons I’m running: to bring accountability, support, and real change to how we treat mental health, especially for those who’ve worn the uniform.

I’m not perfect. But I’m still standing and still serving. I won’t stop fighting for those who feel like they’ve been forgotten.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House of Representatives is unique because it was designed to be closest to the people. It’s the chamber where voices from every corner of the country come together to represent everyday Americans. The Founders intended the House to be fast-moving, responsive, and accountable, which is why we’re elected every two years. That constant accountability is a feature, not a flaw.

I live in North Zulch, a small rural town, but the district also includes Cypress, one of the largest and fastest-growing suburban communities in the state. That contrast is precisely why the House matters: it’s built to represent both ends of the spectrum and ensure no voice gets left behind.

Unlike the Senate, the House is built to reflect urgency. It moves quickly, debates loudly, and responds promptly when the country faces real threats. Whether that’s the border, national security, or the economy, it’s where accountability and action meet.

To me, the House is where public service meets principle. It’s where you go to fight for your district, defend the Constitution, and make sure Washington never forgets who it works for.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Our founding fathers did not believe in experience. They wanted people from all walks of life to serve.

I am proud to be an outsider. Having served our nation in the U.S. Army, I am well prepared to make the right decisions for our nation and district.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

An elderly Congress that doesn’t look for new solutions and is focused on their own best interest.

Moreover, the United States faces four significant, interconnected challenges: the growing Cold War climate with China, our continued energy dependence on foreign nations, the ongoing crisis at our borders, and the national debt that risks our financial security.

We’re in the middle of a modern Cold War with the Chinese Communist Party, and too many leaders are either downplaying the threat or compromised by it. From cyber warfare and economic coercion to influence campaigns in our institutions, China is playing the long game. We need serious leadership that understands the national security, financial, and diplomatic fronts of this conflict, and I bring that perspective.

Our energy dependence remains a liability. America has the resources to be entirely energy independent, but instead, we continue to outsource production to regimes that don’t share our values. That’s not just bad economics; it’s a strategic risk. To be secure abroad, we must be self-reliant at home.

Our border must always be secured. It's not just a humanitarian issue; it's a national security issue. We need to finish securing it, so we can never have a President like Biden let them all in again.

Each taxpayer owes over $300,000 to pay down the national debt. The growing debt greatly risks our financial stability. We need to balance the budget and stop spending our children’s future.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, two years is the correct term length for representatives. It’s in the Constitution for a reason, to keep members of Congress close to the people they serve. A two-year term forces your representative to come home, explain their votes, and stay accountable. That’s the way it should be.

If you’re doing your job right, you shouldn’t be afraid to stand in front of your voters and defend your record. The short term keeps elected officials grounded, responsive, and constantly focused on the needs of their district, not on building a political career in Washington. I welcome that accountability.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I fully support term limits and have proudly signed the pledge. Congress was never meant to be a retirement plan; it was meant to be a place of service. Too many career politicians lose touch with the people they represent and become more focused on power than principle.

As a constitutional conservative and veteran, I believe in stepping up, doing your duty, and making room for new leadership. We need fresh voices, not entrenched politicians. Term limits are essential to restoring trust, accountability, and common sense in Washington.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Yes, I’ve always respected leaders who stood by their convictions, even when it came at a personal or political cost. That’s the kind of integrity I aspire to bring to Congress.

Representative Ralph Norman has impressed me with his leadership on term limits, a crucial step toward restoring accountability in Washington. His persistence and focus on reform are precisely what this country needs.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Pat Harrigan when I was a collaborator at the London Defense Conference. As a fellow Special Forces veteran, he from the 3rd Group and I from the 1st, we share a deep understanding of service, sacrifice, and mission-first leadership. Pat brings that warrior’s clarity and strategic mindset to everything he does, and it has been an inspiration to see how he has translated those values into the policy world.

And here in Texas, Representative Chip Roy stands out as someone who fights for constitutional limits, holds the line on reckless spending, and challenges both parties when necessary. He’s not afraid to disrupt business-as-usual in Washington, and I respect that.

I don’t want to copy anyone’s path, but I do want to bring that same grit, independence, and integrity to my service in Congress.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I’ll be honest, I’m still early in this campaign, and I haven’t yet had that one story that sticks with me for life. But what I’ve heard so far are common threads that say a lot: veterans still fighting the VA for basic care, families who feel like Washington has no idea how tight things are getting at the grocery store, and young Texans wondering if their future will look anything like the one their parents had.

These aren’t dramatic headlines; they’re quiet struggles that don’t always get the attention they deserve. And to me, that’s what makes them powerful. I’m not running to be above the people. I’m running to be among them, to listen, to serve, and to carry their concerns into every room where decisions are made.

As this campaign grows, I’m looking forward to hearing many more stories from across the district, and I plan to bring those voices with me to Congress.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Honestly, my favorite jokes are the dad jokes my dad used to say growing up. The one that always stuck with me, and still makes me laugh, is when I’d say something like, “I’m hungry,” and without missing a beat, he’d say, “Hi Hungry, I’m Dad.”

It’s simple, it’s corny, and it never gets old. I’ve heard it a hundred times, and somehow it still lands.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Our republic was designed to force debate, negotiation, and accountability. But, right now, there is too much power in the hands of special interest groups and lobbyists. We need to implement term limits to ensure that our national debates are on the merits, not

money and influence.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The Constitution gives the House the responsibility to originate all bills that raise revenue, and I take that responsibility seriously. If elected, I’ll use that authority to promote fiscal discipline, accountability, and a smart, limited government.

Washington doesn’t have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem. We’re over $34 trillion in debt because Congress has forgotten that every dollar it spends comes from a taxpayer who earned it. As a representative, I’d work to ensure that any bill raising revenue is tied to real reform, not wasteful programs or bloated bureaucracy.

The power of the purse is one of the most important checks the House has over the federal government. I’d use it to push for a return to regular order, with real budgets, honest debate, and a halt to the backroom omnibus deals that are introduced in the middle of the night.

If you trust me with this seat, I won’t just cast votes; I’ll fight to ensure your money is spent wisely and that Congress is held accountable every step of the way.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The House’s investigative powers should be used to hold the federal government accountable, not to score political points. When appropriately used, oversight is one of the most essential tools Congress has to protect the Constitution, root out corruption, and defend the public trust.

As someone who’s worked in military intelligence, I believe in gathering facts before forming opinions. Investigations should be thorough, honest, and focused on uncovering the truth, not reinforcing a narrative. That means following the evidence wherever it leads, even if it’s inconvenient for your party.

If elected, I’d support using investigative power to examine wasteful spending, executive overreach, intelligence failures, and federal agencies that have lost public trust. I’d also push for transparency on how taxpayer money is used, especially in foreign aid, emergency spending, and large-scale federal programs.

Oversight isn’t a weapon; it’s a responsibility. And I’d treat it that way every day I serve.

What committees interest you?

Given my military service, intelligence background, and national security studies, I’d be honored to serve on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, or the Foreign Affairs Committee. These are areas where I can apply my real-world experience on day one.

I’m also deeply interested in the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, not just because I’m a veteran, but because I’ve seen how broken the system still is for too many of the men and women who served. I want to help reform it from the inside.

Finally, I believe oversight and fiscal responsibility are core duties of Congress, so I’d also welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Oversight and Accountability Committee, especially as it relates to government waste, national security spending, and agency transparency.

I’m not running to sit in the back row, I’m running to get to work.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability aren’t just good ideas, they’re moral obligations. Every tax dollar that comes out of a working family’s paycheck should be treated with respect. Waste, bloat, and backroom deals have no place in a government that’s supposed to serve the people.

As someone who served in the military and now studies national security at King’s College London, I approach government spending with the same mindset I had in uniform: be precise, be effective, and don’t spend what you don’t need. My dissertation at King’s is a policy recommendation that, if implemented, could potentially save American taxpayers between $200 million and $2.2 billion per year, without cutting a single benefit or compromising national security. That’s the kind of thinking we need in Washington: disciplined, data-driven, and focused on results.

Congress should be required to publish readable budgets, sunset ineffective programs, and justify every dollar spent. If a family has to balance its budget, so should the federal government. I’ll push for audits, tighter oversight, and real consequences for misuse of funds, because trust in government starts with how it handles your money.