Trump Endorses Pro-Gun YouTuber Herrera for Texas Congressional Seat
Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Brandon Herrera, the pro-gun YouTuber famously known as 'The AK Guy,' solidifying his position as the frontrunner to replace Tony Gonzales in Congress. This endorsement comes in the wake of Gonzales withdrawing from the race after a cheating scandal that rocked his political career.
Gonzales Exits Race Following Scandal
Tony Gonzales dropped out of the race to retain his Texas seat after Herrera emerged as the top candidate in a jungle primary, which would have led to a run-off election in May. Gonzales' decision followed his admission of an affair with a former staff member, Regina Aviles, who tragically died by self-immolation in September. Initially, Gonzales denied the affair, but he later confessed, calling it a 'mistake' and a 'lapse in judgment.'
In a statement, Gonzales said, 'After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek reelection while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district.' He added that he has reconciled with his wife, Angel, and sought forgiveness through his faith.
Trump's Endorsement and Political Alignment
Trump confirmed his endorsement of Herrera in a Truth Social post on Wednesday evening, writing, 'Brandon is strongly supported by many Highly Respected MAGA Warriors in Texas, and Republicans in the US House.' He highlighted key issues where he and Herrera align, particularly emphasizing Second Amendment rights. Trump concluded, 'Brandon Herrera has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Texas' 23rd Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!'
In response, Herrera told The Daily Mail, 'Thank you, President Trump. It's now time to take the fight to the Democrats in November and continue working to deliver great wins for TX23 and the rest of the nation.'
Herrera's Background and Controversies
Brandon Herrera moved to Texas from North Carolina in 2020 and built a massive following on YouTube with videos testing guns on shooting ranges. He describes himself as a 'Second Amendment Absolutist' and has criticized Gonzales' support for gun safety legislation after the Robb Elementary school shooting in Uvalde, which is within the district.
However, Herrera has faced significant criticism for controversial comments, including a 2022 video where he described a German submachine gun as 'the original ghetto blaster' and goose-stepped to German songs. In the same video, while firing at a can of White Claw, a masked individual asked if he was 'hiding any White Claw underneath the floorboards?' Herrera responded affirmatively, shouted 'Gestapo right there!' and made a pun linking 'not see' to 'Nazi.' He later stated, 'I'm not really a big fan of fascism,' claiming he was making jokes about history.
Additionally, Herrera is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, an organization dedicated to vindicating 'the cause for which we fought.' He has been embraced by Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, further cementing his ties to the hard right.
Democratic Opposition and Political Landscape
The Democratic nominee for the district, attorney and former schoolteacher Katy Padilla Stout, has frequently criticized Herrera as an extremist. Following Trump's endorsement, Padilla Stout posted on social media, 'Parents I talk to in #TX23, particularly those in Uvalde, are disgusted that this man could represent our families in Congress.'
Despite Democratic hopes to cast Herrera as a fringe figure, Republicans remain confident in retaining the district. The 23rd Congressional District is the second-largest in the country and was redrawn in 2021, becoming a Republican stronghold. In 2024, Trump carried the district by nearly 15 points, underscoring its deep red nature.
Ethics Investigation and Political Fallout
Gonzales' admission came just after the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into his conduct, following a report from the Office of Congressional Conduct indicating 'substantial reason to believe' he was involved in the affair. House Republican leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, had urged Gonzales to drop out, and calls for his resignation reached a boiling point from both parties.
Gonzales' withdrawal means Herrera now faces no competition for the Republican nomination in the district. While he plans to serve out his current term to help maintain the Republican slim majority in the House, his political future has been irrevocably altered by the scandal.
Trump had previously endorsed Gonzales, but support evaporated during the scandal. Last month, Trump's lawyer sent Herrera's campaign a 'cease and desist' letter over deceptive mailers using Trump's image, highlighting the shifting political dynamics. Now, with Trump's full backing, Herrera is poised to become a key figure in the upcoming election, setting the stage for a contentious battle in November.
