Texas Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt has sharply criticized Sen. Bernie Sanders over remarks related to voter identification laws, accusing the independent senator of promoting what Hunt described as an insulting stereotype about Black Americans’ ability to obtain government-issued identification. Hunt’s tirade against Sanders has since gone viral, with many critics also raising their eyebrows at the Black voter ID notion.
In a statement shared on social media on July 31, Hunt argued that suggesting Black Americans and other people of color face unique barriers to securing photo identification underestimates their capabilities and reinforces what he called the “soft bigotry of low expectations.” Hunt adds in a speech that what Sanders was suggesting was “The most racist thing I’ve seen over the course of the past few years.”
“Think about how insulting that is,” Hunt wrote. “We’re expected to believe that Black Americans can serve in the military, run businesses, earn college degrees, buy homes, board airplanes, cash checks, open bank accounts, and raise families, but somehow we’re incapable of getting a government-issued ID?”
Hunt, who is Black and represents Texas’ 38th Congressional District, said Black Americans do not need “white benevolent liberals” speaking on their behalf. He emphasized that the Black community is politically diverse and should not be viewed as a single voting bloc. The congressman defended voter ID laws, arguing that requiring a photo ID is a basic safeguard. He also renewed his support for the Save America Act, calling for the legislation to reach the president’s desk as soon as possible.
Hunt’s opinion started a fierce debate online
Hunt’s comments toward Sanders prompted widespread reactions on social media. Many users echoed his position, arguing that government-issued identification is routinely required for activities such as boarding commercial flights, banking, cashing checks, and accessing various public services. Several commenters said voter ID requirements are reasonable election security measures that should apply equally to all eligible voters.
“Oh my gosh, they obviously either drive a car, have a bank account, get a government check every month, or any number of other things in life that require an ID, but God forbid they need to show one to vote,” rants a commenter. Another stated disapproval towards Sanders, “This tactic is older than him. He is a fool too keep this race baiting and no person of color including white people should ever vote for him or any party or bill he supports, he is a disgrace to America!”
Others, however, argued against Hunt’s views towards Bernie Sanders. One X user suggested that, “For the millionth time, it’s not him saying the racist thing, it’s you saying it. Republicans know the numbers. Requiring ID would largely disenfranchise poor people, who are proportionally more brown and also Democrats, and that’s why they want to do it. Cut the [expletive].”
