Will Hurd Bio, Age, Height, Career, CIA, Congress, Presidential Run, Net Worth & Facts

Will Hurd is an American politician, former CIA clandestine officer, cybersecurity executive, author, and technology leader. He served as the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 23rd congressional district from 2015 to 2021, was the only Black Republican in the House during part of his tenure, and briefly sought the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Known for his bipartisanship, national security expertise, and early focus on artificial intelligence policy, Hurd currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer at the defense technology company CHAOS Industries.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

William Ballard Hurd was born on August 19, 1977, in San Antonio, Texas, to Robert Hurd (African American) and Mary Alice Hurd (White). He is the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother named Chuck and a sister named Elizabeth. His parents married in 1970, at a time when interracial marriages were still relatively uncommon in the United States. Hurd has spoken about overcoming early challenges, including a brief period after birth when he did not breathe and doctors cautioned about possible developmental issues; he also overcame a speech impediment.

He grew up in the San Antonio area, specifically Leon Valley, and graduated from John Marshall High School near the top of his class. Hurd attended Texas A&M University, where he majored in computer science and minored in international relations. He was elected student body president and played a leadership role during the tragic 1999 Aggie Bonfire collapse that killed 12 people. He graduated in 2000.

Career Journey

CIA Service (2000–2009)

After college, Hurd joined the Central Intelligence Agency as an undercover operations officer rather than accepting higher-paying private-sector technology jobs. He served for nine years, primarily based in Washington, D.C., with operational tours in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. He learned Urdu for his work in Pakistan and has described high-stakes experiences that included thwarting terrorist threats, countering Russian intelligence, and addressing nuclear proliferation concerns. Briefing members of Congress during this period sparked his interest in elective office.

Private Sector Cybersecurity (2009–2014)

After leaving the CIA, Hurd returned to Texas and worked as a partner at Crumpton Group LLC (a strategic advisory firm founded by former CIA officer Hank Crumpton) and as a senior adviser at FusionX, a cybersecurity company focused on preparing organizations for digital threats.

U.S. House of Representatives (2015–2021)

Hurd first ran for Congress in Texas’s 23rd District in 2010 but lost a primary runoff. He won the seat in 2014 by defeating incumbent Democrat Pete Gallego in a competitive race covering a vast border district stretching from San Antonio to El Paso. He was re-elected in 2016 and 2018 (the latter by a narrow margin of about 926 votes).

During his three terms he focused on national security, cybersecurity, border issues, and technology policy. He chaired the Information Technology Subcommittee, served on the House Intelligence Committee and Homeland Security Committee, and helped pass significant legislation, including early work on a national AI strategy. He was known for bipartisanship—working across the aisle with figures such as Beto O’Rourke—and was often described as a moderate Republican. At one point he was the only Black Republican in the House. He announced in 2019 that he would not seek re-election in 2020.

Post-Congress Roles and 2024 Presidential Campaign

After leaving Congress, Hurd served as a managing director at the investment bank Allen & Company, joined the board of OpenAI, and became a trustee of the German Marshall Fund. He authored the book American Reboot: An Idealist’s Guide to Getting Big Things Done.

In June 2023 he announced a bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, emphasizing common-sense leadership, AI policy, border security solutions short of a full wall, and competition with China. He suspended his campaign on October 9, 2023, and endorsed Nikki Haley.

Current Role

Hurd is Chief Strategy Officer at CHAOS Industries, a defense technology startup. He also holds board or advisory positions with organizations including the Council on Foreign Relations, The Aerospace Corporation, Palo Alto Networks, and the Center for European Policy Analysis.

Personal Life

Hurd married Lynlie Wallace, an attorney and former political staffer, on December 31, 2022. The couple met around 2009 when she assisted with his early political efforts. They have a daughter named Simone. Hurd lives in Helotes, Texas, a suburb of San Antonio, and has described becoming a father as a transformative experience. He is known for his affinity for Tex-Mex cuisine, the San Antonio Spurs, movies, and national parks.

Dating History / Relationships

Prior to his marriage, Hurd kept his personal life relatively private. Public reports noted his relationship with Lynlie Wallace beginning around 2017 before their marriage.

Controversies

Hurd’s public profile has been relatively free of major personal scandals. As a moderate Republican and frequent critic of Donald Trump (particularly on rhetoric, the border wall, and certain policies), he faced political pushback from the more populist wing of the party. His willingness to work with Democrats and vote against party positions on some issues (such as aspects of healthcare and LGBTQ rights protections) drew both praise for bipartisanship and criticism from conservatives.

Awards & Achievements

• Student body president at Texas A&M University
• First Black Republican elected to Congress from Texas in the modern era
• Multiple pieces of legislation signed into law during three House terms
• Early congressional leadership on artificial intelligence policy and cybersecurity
• Allegheny College Prize for Civility in Public Life (shared with Beto O’Rourke, 2018)
• Described by Politico and Texas Monthly as a potential “future of the GOP”
• Author of American Reboot
• Board service with OpenAI, Council on Foreign Relations, and other leading organizations

Physical Statistics

• Height: 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m)
• Build: Athletic
• Other measurements not widely publicized

Quotes

• “Because in America, we’re better together.”
• On bipartisanship and problem-solving: Emphasis on putting policy ahead of politics and finding common ground.
• Reflections on national security and technology often highlight the need for the United States to lead in AI and cybersecurity while remaining competitive with adversaries such as China.

Favorites

• San Antonio Spurs
• Tex-Mex cuisine
• National parks
• Movies

Earnings / Net Worth

Public estimates of Hurd’s net worth have ranged around $6 million, reflecting earnings from his congressional service, private-sector cybersecurity and investment banking roles, book sales, speaking engagements, and current executive position. Exact figures are not publicly detailed in official disclosures beyond standard congressional financial reports from his time in office.

Interesting Facts

• He speaks Urdu from his CIA service in Pakistan.
• He stood 6’4″, tying him with Abraham Lincoln in discussions of potential presidential height during his 2024 campaign.
• As student body president at Texas A&M, he helped lead the campus response to the deadly 1999 Aggie Bonfire collapse.
• He was once the only Black Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives.
• He and then-Congressman Beto O’Rourke once drove 1,600 miles together across Texas after flight cancellations, documenting the trip on Facebook Live and later collaborating on legislation.
• He helped write some of the earliest congressional frameworks for national artificial intelligence strategy.

Did You Know Already?

• Will Hurd served nine years as a CIA undercover officer before entering politics.
• His congressional district covered more than 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and spanned two time zones.
• He dropped out of the 2024 Republican presidential race after about four months and endorsed Nikki Haley.
• He is the author of American Reboot: An Idealist’s Guide to Getting Big Things Done.
• He currently works in defense technology as Chief Strategy Officer at CHAOS Industries.

Social Media Links

• Official website: willbhurd.com
• He maintains presence on major platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and others tied to his public commentary and professional roles (search “Will Hurd” for current official accounts).

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Will Hurd?
He was born on August 19, 1977, making him 48 years old as of 2026.

What is Will Hurd’s height?
He is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall.

Is Will Hurd married?
Yes. He married Lynlie Wallace on December 31, 2022. They have a daughter.

What did Will Hurd do in the CIA?
He served as an undercover operations officer from 2000 to 2009, with assignments that included work in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

Why did Will Hurd run for president in 2024?
He cited a desire to offer common-sense leadership, address artificial intelligence policy, border security, and strategic competition with China, while criticizing both major-party extremes.

Conclusion

Will Hurd’s career spans intelligence operations, cybersecurity, three terms in Congress representing a sprawling border district, private-sector technology and investment roles, a brief presidential campaign, and ongoing work at the intersection of defense technology and national security. From undercover CIA officer to bipartisan legislator and AI policy advocate, he has consistently focused on practical solutions to complex threats facing the United States. Share this biography if you found the overview of his life, career, and contributions useful.