Uvalde's 'AK Guy' Poised to Win Congressional Seat

Brandon Herrera, a far-right internet troll known for his Nazi-themed gun videos, is likely to become the next representative for Texas' 23rd District.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Brandon Herrera, a controversial gun influencer from Uvalde, Texas, is poised to win the Republican nomination for the state's 23rd Congressional District after the incumbent, Rep. Tony Gonzales, dropped out of the race amid a sex scandal. Herrera, known online as the 'AK Guy,' has faced criticism for making light of the 2022 mass shooting at an Uvalde elementary school and for videos that appear to show Nazi sympathies.

Why it matters

Herrera's likely victory in the solidly Republican district raises concerns about the potential for a far-right, internet-driven candidate to win elected office in a community still grappling with the trauma of a horrific mass shooting. His history of controversial statements and behavior could make him a divisive and disruptive figure in Congress.

The details

Herrera, 30, is a popular gun YouTuber with over 4 million subscribers. He is known for his edgy, provocative content, including videos where he has joked about shooting at homeless people and made light of suicide. Democrats have also unearthed videos showing Herrera engaging in Nazi-themed 'LARPing' (live-action role-playing) and displaying a copy of Mein Kampf, which he claims is part of his 'historic book' collection.

  • In the 2024 GOP primary, Herrera narrowly lost to Gonzales.
  • In late February 2026, a sex scandal involving Gonzales came to light, leading to his withdrawal from the race.
  • On Thursday, March 6, 2026, Gonzales ended his campaign, clearing the way for Herrera to likely win the Republican nomination.

The players

Brandon Herrera

A 30-year-old gun influencer known online as the 'AK Guy,' who is poised to win the Republican nomination for Texas' 23rd Congressional District.

Tony Gonzales

The incumbent Republican representative for Texas' 23rd District, who withdrew from the race amid a sex scandal.

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What they’re saying

“If you're one of the few people out there that realizes there's absolutely nothing wrong with the song we just used and it's a bunch of soldiers singing about a pretty girl they miss at home, go ahead and hit that Subscribe button.”

— Brandon Herrera (Slate)

What’s next

A Democrat is expected to oppose Herrera in the November general election, but the district is considered solidly Republican, making Herrera the likely winner.

The takeaway

Herrera's likely victory in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting tragedy raises concerns about the potential for a far-right, internet-driven candidate to win elected office in a community still grappling with trauma, and the disruptive impact he could have in Congress.