Gonzales Defeats Hardline GOP Challenger in Texas House Runoff

Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) is expected to win the GOP primary in Texas’s 23rd Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ. Gonzales narrowly overcame Brandon Herrera, a YouTuber and gun enthusiast, in the Republican race for his seat, which spans from San Antonio to El Paso. This runoff was necessitated after Gonzales failed to secure more than half of the votes in the initial March primary.

Gonzales faced significant opposition from prominent conservatives. His challenger received endorsements from House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good (R-Va.) and Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Eli Crane (R-Ariz.). Conversely, Gonzales had the support of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Governor Greg Abbott (R), and Texas GOP Representatives Ronny Jackson and Jake Ellzey, among others.

Since taking over from former Representative Will Hurd (R-Texas) in 2021, Gonzales has taken stances that differ from hardline conservatives. He opposed including a warrant requirement in a U.S. spy program and supported Johnson’s foreign aid package. His positions led to a censure from the Texas GOP last May due to his backing of several bipartisan bills, including a gun safety law and the Respect for Marriage Act.

Gonzales’s victory is a setback for hardliners who have been trying to unseat moderate Republicans in primaries. Bob Good also supported a challenger to Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.), though Bacon was expected to win his primary. Meanwhile, other hardliners, including Good, face tough battles. Former President Trump recently endorsed Good’s primary challenger.