Republican Jon Bonck has won the open U.S. House seat in Texas' 38th District, according to Decision Desk HQ, defeating Democratic challenger Melissa McDonough and keeping the seat in GOP hands.
With nearly all votes counted by Wednesday afternoon, Bonck held just over 51 percent of the vote to McDonough's 47 percent, a margin that underscores the district's competitive tilt in the Houston suburbs despite its recent Republican representation.
Bonck, a mortgage banker and real estate small business owner, cruised through the GOP primary in May with former President Donald Trump's backing. Trump issued a "Complete and Total Endorsement" on Truth Social before the primary, praising Bonck as a "successful business executive" who understands "America First policies."
In his endorsement, Trump highlighted Bonck's commitments to cutting taxes and regulations, promoting domestic manufacturing, and pursuing energy dominance. He also stressed Bonck would work to secure the border, prevent migrant crime, strengthen the military and veterans' programs, safeguard elections, and protect Second Amendment rights.
Bonck's campaign platform mirrored those priorities, emphasizing border security, gun rights, and reducing overseas military spending. His victory speech focused on delivering for the district's families and advancing the president-elect's agenda in Washington.
The 38th District, located in southeastern Texas and covering parts of the Houston suburbs, had been represented by Wesley Hunt since 2023. Hunt vacated the seat to run for the U.S. Senate, a bid that ultimately failed. His departure set up a competitive open-seat contest, though the district's Republican lean and Bonck's Trump endorsement gave him a strong advantage.
McDonough, a Democrat, ran on healthcare access, education funding, and infrastructure improvements, but was unable to overcome the district's conservative makeup and Trump's influence in the race.
Bonck's win is part of a broader pattern in Texas, where Republicans have held onto key congressional seats despite demographic shifts. Elsewhere in the state, other GOP candidates have also secured victories, including in the 8th and 10th Districts, where Republicans are succeeding outgoing members.
With Bonck's victory, the GOP maintains its hold on the 38th District, which had been a focus of Democratic hopes for a pickup in the Houston area. The result also bolsters the Republican majority in the House, even as some races nationwide remain too close to call.
