Former CIA officer and Texas Congressman Will Hurd has officially entered the 2024 Republican presidential race, positioning himself as a common-sense alternative to both Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Hurd filed his candidacy paperwork with the Federal Election Commission and announced his decision in an interview with CBS News, citing the need for practical solutions in these “complicated times.”

Hurd’s campaign emphasizes key issues such as addressing China's global influence, tackling inflation, reforming education, and navigating the challenges of artificial intelligence. He expressed frustration with the current political discourse, criticizing elected officials for fostering division and urging a focus on substantive policy debates.

Hurd directly challenged Trump's leadership, arguing that the GOP needs a candidate who can appeal to a broader electorate, including independents and Democrats. He stated his belief that the Republican Party can and should be forward-looking, rather than dwelling on the past. Hurd has been openly critical of Trump, stating in previous interviews that the former president's nomination would lead to another Democratic victory.

In his campaign launch video, Hurd painted a picture of a nation facing internal and external threats, from illegal immigration and fentanyl to a stagnant economy and rising crime. He criticized both Biden's inaction and Trump's divisive rhetoric, arguing that neither offers a viable path forward for the country.

The Democratic National Committee immediately responded to Hurd's announcement by attempting to link him to Trump's policies, highlighting his congressional voting record on issues such as tax cuts, abortion, and healthcare. However, Hurd has presented himself as a moderate voice within the Republican party, emphasizing unity and pragmatic solutions.

Hurd’s entry into the race follows a period of heightened national visibility, including a book tour for his work, "American Reboot: An Idealist’s Guide to Getting Big Things Done," which many saw as a precursor to a presidential campaign. In the book, he calls for a reassessment of the Republican Party's approach to politics and offers strategies for addressing critical national challenges. Hurd has been actively engaging with voters in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire, building momentum for his campaign.

Hurd joins a crowded Republican field that includes prominent figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, among others. Despite facing better-funded and more established candidates, Hurd remains confident in his message and his ability to connect with voters seeking a different kind of leadership.