President Donald Trump has selected Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt from Texas' 38th congressional district to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. The move will put the former Army captain and Apache helicopter pilot before the U.S Senate for confirmation.

Hunt, who has represented Texas’ 38th Congressional District since 2023, served in Iraq and completed two tours in Saudi Arabia as a diplomatic liaison officer. His military and regional experience comes as the United States continues working closely with Saudi Arabia on security, energy, and broader Middle East issues.

The selection comes as tensions across the region remain high, with Saudi Arabia facing attacks from Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and seeking continued U.S. security cooperation. American and Saudi officials have maintained close discussions over regional security and energy infrastructure.

Hunt announced the news in a post on X. In his post, the congressman called the nomination "the honor of a lifetime" and promised that, when confirmed, he would serve in the role "with humility and honor".

Hunt endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential election and has focused much of his congressional work on national security, military readiness and economic policy. He serves on the House Judiciary, Natural Resources and Small Business committees. Earlier this year, Hunt furthered his national profile in his campaign against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and incumbent senator John Cornyn for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas. He finished a distant third in the March 2026 primary with roughly 13.5% of the vote, behind both Cornyn and Paxton, who advanced to a May runoff. Hunt later endorsed Paxton, who ultimately won.

If formally nominated, Hunt will require confirmation from a majority of the U.S. Senate before taking the ambassadorial post. Republicans currently command a 53-seat majority in the chamber.