UMVA has learned that Jon Bonck, a Trump‑backed Republican, has clinched the GOP runoff for Texas’ 38th Congressional District, setting the stage for a decisive showdown in a staunchly Republican Houston‑area seat.
In a race that began as an open‑seat contest after incumbent Rep. Wesley Hunt abandoned his House bid for a Senate run, Bonck outmatched challenger Shelly deZevallos, a pilot and airport president, by a wide margin. Bonck captured 47.7% of the vote in the first round, while deZevallos secured 18.6%, propelling the former into the runoff with a clear lead.
Bonck’s victory sends him into the November general election against Democrat Melissa McDonough, though the district’s solid Republican lean makes the GOP side heavily favored. The seat’s political climate has long been a fortress for conservatives, a fact underscored by the recent primary dynamics.
Graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in biochemistry, Bonck has carved out a career as a mortgage industry manager in Houston. His professional background, combined with a grassroots campaign, has resonated with voters seeking fresh leadership rooted in local experience.
Endorsed by President Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz, Bonck positioned himself as a Christian conservative and family man, rejecting the label of “political celebrity.” He framed his message around servant leadership, emphasizing practical solutions over rhetoric.
Throughout the campaign, Bonck highlighted affordability, immigration, and public safety as the district’s top three challenges. He pledged to secure borders, cut wasteful spending, and empower families to make their own education and healthcare choices.
As the general election approaches, Bonck’s narrative of “America first”—focused on border security, fiscal restraint, and small‑business growth—continues to rally a base eager for decisive, conservative representation in Congress.
