Trump Endorses Herrera After Gonzalez’s Withdrawal
Former President Donald Trump has given his endorsement to Brandon Herrera, a social media gun advocate, in the race for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. This follows the resignation of Republican incumbent Tony Gonzalez.
Gonzalez stepped down after allegations of infidelity emerged, revealing that he had an affair with a staff member, Regina Santos-Avilés. Tragically, Santos-Avilés later took her own life by igniting herself on fire at her Uvalde residence.
In a statement, Gonzalez expressed, “I lacked judgment and lacked faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions.”
Brandon Herrera, who is known as “AK Guy,” is a gun manufacturer and YouTube personality. He previously challenged Gonzalez in the 2024 primary, losing by a narrow margin of fewer than 400 votes.
Trump praised Herrera, stating, “Brandon has the strong support of many respected MAGA warriors in Texas and Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives. As Congressman-elect, he will work tirelessly to advance our Make America Great Again agenda.” He shared this sentiment on his platform, Truth Social.
As Herrera gears up for the upcoming election, he will be competing against Democratic candidate Katie Padilla Stout, an attorney and former elementary school teacher. Interestingly, Democrats had previously written off the possibility of flipping this seat, but Gonzalez’s exit has created fresh opportunities.
The former president expressed confidence in Herrera, stating, “Brandon will fight hard for economic growth by cutting taxes and regulations, promoting American-made products, boosting energy independence, securing elections, supporting school choice, protecting our borders, curbing immigration-related crime, backing our military, veterans, law enforcement, and defending the Second Amendment, which is always under threat.”
Trump assured his supporters, “He will never let you down!”
Gonzalez, who is a father of six, acknowledged the affair after explicit messages he reportedly sent to Santos Avilés were leaked to the press. He remarked in a podcast, “I made a mistake. I had poor judgment and lack of faith. And I take full responsibility for those actions. I asked God for forgiveness, and He granted it. My faith is as strong as ever.”
Currently, the House Ethics Committee is investigating the lawmaker’s conduct.
