On June 12, 2012, Hurst lost a race for the United States Congress in Arkansas's 4th congressional district, the seat being vacated by Representative Mike Ross.
[2] Hurst lost to State Senator Gene Jeffress, who was subsequently defeated by the Republican Tom Cotton in the 2012 general election.
[5] Hurst graduated from Hot Springs High School and earned "All-State" honors as a Trojan quarterback and defensive back.
He then attended the University of Arkansas and worked as a store clerk and maintained an on-campus laundry route to pay for his education expenses.
[17] He has been active in the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, served on the board of directors for the Arkansas Special Olympics, served on local volunteer fire departments[16] and has been active in Oaklawn First Church of God in Hot Springs.