<p>Representative Wesley Hunt (R-TX) was nominated by the Trump administration on Monday to be the next ambassador to Saudi Arabia, a position that has been vacant throughout President Donald Trump’s second term.</p>
<p>Hunt previously served as a diplomatic liaison officer in Saudi Arabia and has been an ally of Trump in Congress. His nomination follows his loss in the GOP primary for Senate in Texas earlier this year, where he finished behind Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Texas state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who won the nomination after a runoff.</p>
<p>“It is the honor of a lifetime to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Hunt stated in a comment to the Washington Examiner. “Having served in the region both in combat as an Army officer and for two years as a diplomatic liaison in the Kingdom, I understand the strategic importance of the partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia and the profound responsibility of this position.”</p>
<p>The nomination comes as Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally, temporarily shut down a key oil pipeline used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched a series of attacks the day prior. Saudi officials indicated that the pipeline was shut down as a precaution while emergency crews assessed the damage.</p>
<p>It is currently unclear if Hunt will resign from his seat in the House, as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) manages a narrow majority. Hunt may also choose to wait until his term concludes in January. The Senate is not expected to expedite Hunt’s nomination, with only three weeks left in session before recessing until after the November election.</p>
<p>Hunt, 44, is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served eight years in the Army as an Apache helicopter pilot.</p>
<p>“I am deeply grateful to President Trump for his confidence in me,” Hunt added. “When confirmed, I will serve with humility and honor, advance his vision of peace through strength and deepen this vital partnership.”</p>
<p>The Washington Examiner reached out to Hunt’s office for further comment.</p>