Trump Endorses Herrera for Texas House Seat

Gonzales drops bid, clearing way for Trump-backed candidate

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:08am

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President Trump has endorsed Texas Republican Brandon Herrera in the race to replace outgoing Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who has decided not to run for re-election.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement could provide a significant boost to Herrera's campaign, as the former president remains highly influential within the Republican party. The race to fill Gonzales' seat is expected to be closely watched as it could impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

The details

Gonzales, a two-term Republican congressman, announced he would not be seeking re-election, opening up the race for his seat. Trump quickly endorsed Herrera, a local businessman and political newcomer, as the GOP's preferred candidate to replace Gonzales.

  • On March 12, 2026, President Trump endorsed Brandon Herrera for the Texas House seat.

The players

Brandon Herrera

A Texas Republican and local businessman who is running for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Tony Gonzales.

Tony Gonzales

The outgoing two-term Republican congressman from Texas who has decided not to run for re-election.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has endorsed Brandon Herrera in the race for the Texas House seat.

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What they’re saying

“Brandon Herrera is the right choice to represent the people of Texas. I'm proud to endorse him and I know he'll fight hard for our conservative values in Congress.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The Republican primary election for the Texas House seat is scheduled for May 2026.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Herrera could give the political newcomer a significant boost in the race to fill Gonzales' seat, which is expected to be a closely watched contest that could impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives.