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Will Hurd

Will Hurd is an American politician, former CIA officer, and cybersecurity executive who represented Texas's 23rd congressional district in the U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Will Hurd is an American politician, former CIA officer, and cybersecurity executive who represented Texas's 23rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2021. A Republican, he became known for a moderate political profile and later ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination before suspending his campaign in October 2023.

Early life and education

Hurd was born in San Antonio, Texas, and studied computer science at Texas A&M University. He is a native of San Antonio and holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science.

Intelligence and private-sector career

Before Congress, Hurd worked for the CIA and later in cybersecurity and business. He is described as a former undercover or covert CIA officer and a cybersecurity executive.

U.S. House of Representatives

Hurd was elected to the House in 2014 and served Texas's 23rd district from 2015 to 2021. His committee assignments included Appropriations and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

2024 presidential campaign

Hurd announced his candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination in June 2023. He suspended the campaign in October 2023 and endorsed Nikki Haley.

Key facts

  • Served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Texas's 23rd congressional district.
  • Worked as a CIA officer before entering politics.
  • Identified as a moderate Republican and critic of Donald Trump.
  • Ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, suspending his campaign in October 2023.
  • After leaving Congress, worked in cybersecurity and business roles.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Will Hurd?
Will Hurd is an American Republican politician, former CIA officer, and cybersecurity executive who served in the U.S. House from 2015 to 2021.
What office did Will Hurd hold?
He represented Texas's 23rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms.
What is Will Hurd's political party?
He is a member of the Republican Party.
Did Will Hurd run for president?
Yes. He entered the 2024 Republican presidential race in June 2023 and suspended his campaign in October 2023.
What is Will Hurd's background before politics?
Before Congress, he worked for the CIA and later in cybersecurity and business.

References

  1. Congress.gov — https://www.congress.gov/member/will-hurd/H001073
    Supports: Office held, party affiliation, and years in Congress.
  2. GovInfo / Congressional Directory — https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDIR-2020-07-22/pdf/CDIR-2020-07-22-TX-H-24.pdf
    Supports: Birthplace, education, career background, committee assignments, and district representation.
  3. Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/us/former-congressman-will-hurd-trump-critic-joins-2024-republican-race-2023-06-22/
    Supports: 2024 presidential candidacy, CIA background, and later private-sector roles.
  4. Ballotpedia — https://www.ballotpedia.org/Will_Hurd_presidential_campaign,_2024
    Supports: Campaign announcement and suspension date.
  5. The Texas Tribune — https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/22/will-hurd-presidential-campaign-2024/
    Supports: Moderate Republican profile and 2024 presidential run.