Del Rio, Texas – In a fiercely contested Republican primary runoff in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales is facing stiff competition from challenger Brandon Herrera. The race has intensified as Herrera attacks Gonzales for his bipartisan voting record, particularly for his support of a new gun law following a tragic school shooting in Uvalde in 2022.
The district, sprawling along the U.S.-Mexico border from San Antonio to El Paso, has become a battleground as voters decide between Gonzales, who secured 45% of the vote in the March primary, and Herrera, who trailed with 25% but advanced to the runoff under Texas law due to the lack of majority support. Observers note a significant tightening of the race, putting Gonzales at risk of losing and potentially becoming the first House member to fall in a primary in 2024.
The primary runoff has attracted over $5 million in ad spending, with various groups like the Republican Jewish Coalition Victory Fund and the American Action Network rallying behind Gonzales. Meanwhile, Herrera’s campaign, spending about $700,000 on ads since the primary, has positioned him as a vocal advocate for gun rights and a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump.
One significant point of contention in the race is Gonzales’ vote in support of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a law that expanded background checks for gun purchasers under 21 and made trafficking illegal firearms a federal crime. The contentious vote came shortly after a tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, prompting backlash from some within the Texas Republican Party and other conservative circles.
Despite facing criticism for his bipartisan stance on various issues, Gonzales remains steadfast, emphasizing the importance of standing up for what he believes is right. With prominent endorsements from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and even actor Matthew McConaughey, Gonzales is rallying support for his re-election bid, highlighting the stakes in the upcoming runoff.
As the race heats up, outside support from prominent right-wing members of Congress, including Reps. Matt Gaetz and Bob Good, has further fueled the intensity of the campaign. The involvement of these figures has added a layer of complexity to the contest, with differing visions for the direction of the Republican Party and the country.
The outcome of the primary runoff in Texas’ 23rd District carries significant weight, not only for Gonzales and Herrera but also for the broader political landscape in the state. With multiple runoff elections in Texas congressional districts, the results will shape the future of the GOP, setting the stage for upcoming battles leading into the November elections. The race serves as a microcosm of the larger political divisions and debates playing out within the party and the country as a whole.