The race became a referendum on the San Antonio Republican’s vote to support a bipartisan gun control package after the Uvalde school shooting.
to receive twice-monthly updates on our year-long initiative dedicated to boosting civic engagement and chronicling how democracy is experienced in Texas.SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales declared victory in the Republican primary runoff to represent the 23rd Congress ional District on Tuesday, narrowly beating back a spirited challenge from YouTuber Brandon Herrera who strived to turn the race into a referendum over his voting record on guns.
Herrera is known for this online persona, dubbed “the AK Guy,” and his irreverent sense of humor in YouTube videos and podcast appearances. His off-color online reputation was seen by some in his party as a liability, but it ended up a significant platform, allowing him to widely spread his message and fundraise hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Herrera was a strong fundraiser, having raised over $827,000 ahead of the primary and over $1.3 million ahead of the run off through his official campaign committee. He attracted contributions from a who’s-who of far-right conservatives in the state and beyond, including supporters of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida and former Texas state Sen. Don Huffines.
“There’s a reason why Tony’s been asking for a lot of third party money,” Herrera said. “As somebody that didn’t take seriously early on, we’ve made the uni-party spend about $8 million they weren’t expecting to.” Freedom Caucus members had been covertly involved in the primary beforehand. Clark and Avila both said they met with members of the group before the primary. They both said they had entered the race as much to take out Gonzales as to run themselves. After the primary election, they promptly endorsed Herrera.
Gonzales also has the endorsement of several major interest groups in Texas, including the Texas Farm Bureau, the Texas Municipal Police Association, the National Border Patrol Council, the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas and the Border Commerce and Security Council.
“Special place in hell for scum and villainy who mock veteran suicide or shoot up a church,” Gonzales, a Navy veteran, said in response.
Politics Congress San Antonio South Texas Tony Gonzales Uvalde Texas Legislature
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