Context:

Rep. Wesley Hunt has filed a police report against a senior staffer from Sen. John Cornyn's campaign after the staffer posted personal information about Hunt, including sensitive details from a provisional ballot. This incident, which Hunt describes as 'doxxing,' has escalated tensions within the Texas GOP Senate primary. The controversy has drawn criticism from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who condemned the actions as irresponsible. Hunt is pursuing legal action while Cornyn's team defends their conduct by claiming the information was publicly accessible. The implications of this incident may affect both candidates' campaigns as early voting for the primary begins.

Dive Deeper:

• Wesley Hunt's police report stems from Matt Mackowiak, Cornyn's communications director, posting a 2016 provisional ballot on social media that revealed Hunt's personal information, including parts of his Social Security number.

• Hunt’s campaign has indicated they intend to subpoena social media platforms to retrieve the now-deleted post that shared his family's sensitive information.

• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a fellow GOP Senate candidate, criticized Cornyn's campaign for supporting the staffer's actions, emphasizing the risks posed to Hunt's family.

• Mackowiak argues that the documents are public records, suggesting that the information was accessible via county clerk requests, which Hunt disputes by emphasizing the dangers of doxxing.

• Legal experts have expressed skepticism about the potential for charges, noting that proving intent to intimidate or harm in such cases can be particularly challenging under Texas law.

• Hunt's accusations come against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny over his voting history, particularly regarding claims he made about his support for President Trump during the 2016 election.

• The incident has sparked discussions about campaign ethics and safety for candidates and their families, especially in light of recent violent threats against political figures.