Trump Endorses Texas Congressional Candidate After Rival Drops Out Over Affair Scandal

Brandon Herrera, a Second Amendment activist, wins Trump's backing after opponent Tony Gonzales exits race amid ethics probe.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:18am

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President Donald Trump has endorsed Texas Republican Brandon Herrera for the state's 23rd Congressional District after Herrera's primary rival, Rep. Tony Gonzales, dropped out of the race amid an ethics investigation into an admitted affair with a former staffer. Herrera, a self-described Second Amendment activist and social media personality, was praised by Trump as a MAGA-aligned Republican who will work to advance the former president's agenda if elected.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement of Herrera is seen as a boost for the Republican candidate in a closely watched congressional race, as the former president maintains significant influence within the GOP. Gonzales' withdrawal from the race also highlights the potential political fallout from personal scandals, even for incumbent lawmakers.

The details

Herrera narrowly edged out Gonzales in the initial GOP primary, forcing a runoff. But Gonzales, a married father of six, later admitted to an affair with a former staffer and announced he would not seek re-election amid a House Ethics investigation. Trump then endorsed Herrera, describing him as a champion of the Second Amendment and the MAGA agenda who will work to grow the economy, secure the border, and protect elections if elected.

  • On March 12, 2026, President Trump endorsed Brandon Herrera for the Texas 23rd Congressional District.
  • Earlier in March 2026, Rep. Tony Gonzales announced he would not seek re-election amid an ethics probe into an admitted affair with a former staffer.

The players

Brandon Herrera

A self-described Second Amendment activist and social media personality who is the Republican nominee for Texas' 23rd Congressional District after his primary rival dropped out.

Tony Gonzales

The incumbent Republican Congressman for Texas' 23rd District who withdrew from the race after admitting to an affair with a former staffer, which triggered an ethics investigation.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who endorsed Brandon Herrera in the Texas congressional race.

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What they’re saying

“Brandon is strongly supported by many Highly Respected MAGA Warriors in Texas, and Republicans in the U.S. House. As your next Congressman, he will work tirelessly to advance our MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN Agenda.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“Thank you President Trump. It's now time to take the fight to the Democrats in November and continue working to deliver great wins for TX23 and the rest of the nation.”

— Brandon Herrera

“I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions. Since then, I've reconciled with my wife, Angel. I've asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever.”

— Tony Gonzales, Congressman

What’s next

The winner of the November general election between Brandon Herrera and Katy Padilla Stout will represent Texas' 23rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Herrera underscores the former president's continued influence within the Republican Party, even as the party faces questions about the political fallout from personal scandals involving its candidates. The race in Texas' 23rd District will be closely watched as a potential bellwether for the GOP's direction heading into the 2024 presidential election cycle.