Gonzales, Padilla Stout Lead Primaries for Texas' 23rd Congressional District

Incumbent Republican Tony Gonzales and Democrat Katy Padilla Stout emerge as frontrunners in early voting results.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In the race for Texas' 23rd Congressional District, early voting results show incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales leading the GOP primary with 44% of the vote, while Democrat Katy Padilla Stout is approaching the majority needed to avoid a runoff with 54% of the Democratic vote. The primaries have unfolded as Gonzales faced renewed scrutiny following reports of an extramarital affair, which he has acknowledged but said does not affect his work representing the district.

Why it matters

Texas' 23rd Congressional District is one of the largest and most geographically diverse in the country, stretching from El Paso's Lower Valley across rural West Texas to San Antonio. The seat has historically been competitive due to redistricting and shifting voting patterns across a swath of Texas that is largely rural and runs along the U.S.-Mexico border, making the outcome of these primaries crucial for both parties.

The details

In the Republican primary, Gonzales leads challenger Brandon Herrera 44% to 41%, with Keith Barton at 9% and Francisco 'Quico' Canseco at 6%. On the Democratic side, Padilla Stout is ahead with 54% of the vote, followed by Santos Limon at 24%, Bruce Richardson at 12%, and Gretel Enck at 10%. The El Paso early voting results mirror the statewide trends.

  • The primaries unfolded as Gonzales faced renewed scrutiny following reports detailing allegations of an extramarital affair.
  • The winners of the May 26 runoff elections will square off at the Nov. 3 general election.

The players

Tony Gonzales

The 45-year-old incumbent Republican U.S. Representative for Texas' 23rd Congressional District, who has promoted border enforcement and immigration policy during his most recent campaign.

Brandon Herrera

A 41-year-old firearms manufacturer and social media personality who lost to Gonzales two years ago in the GOP District 23 runoff by 407 votes, and is campaigning on stronger federal authority at the borders.

Katy Padilla Stout

A 40-year-old Democratic attorney who has represented foster children and is basing her campaign on social safety nets, health care access, and reductions that will benefit working families.

Santos Limon

A 52-year-old Democratic civil engineer and international infrastructure consultant who plans to promote high-speed rail, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing as a way to build the district's economy.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

If no candidate earns more than 50%, the top two finishers will face each other in a May 26 runoff. The winners of those contests will square off at the Nov. 3 general election.

The takeaway

Texas' 23rd Congressional District is a battleground that reflects the political crosscurrents of the state's border communities, where economic concerns, immigration policy, and turnout patterns often shape election outcomes. The results of these primaries will be crucial in determining the direction of the district for the next two years.