Trump backs Herrera for Texas House seat after Gonzales drops bid

The former president endorsed the Republican candidate to replace outgoing Rep. Tony Gonzales in Texas's 23rd congressional district.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:37am

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President Trump endorsed Texas Republican Brandon Herrera in the race to replace outgoing Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) on Wednesday evening. Gonzales dropped out of the race under pressure from GOP leadership after it became public that he had an affair with a former staffer in his office, who later died by suicide. Herrera, the top candidate to replace him, is running to represent Texas's 23rd congressional district, a Republican stronghold.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement of Herrera is seen as a boost for the Republican candidate in a key House race in Texas. The 23rd district is a Republican stronghold, and Herrera's hardline MAGA platform aligns with Trump's political agenda. The race will be closely watched as Republicans aim to maintain control of the House of Representatives.

The details

Herrera, a firearm enthusiast and self-described 'Second Amendment activist,' is running on a platform that promotes stronger border security and many of Trump's policy objectives. In his endorsement, Trump praised Herrera as a candidate who will 'work tirelessly to advance our MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN Agenda.' Herrera will face off against Democratic attorney Katy Padilla Stout in the November election.

  • On Wednesday evening, March 12, 2026, President Trump endorsed Texas Republican Brandon Herrera in the race to replace outgoing Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas).
  • Gonzales dropped out of the race under pressure from GOP leadership after it became public that he had an affair with a former staffer in his office, who later died by suicide.

The players

Brandon Herrera

The top Republican candidate running to replace outgoing Rep. Tony Gonzales in Texas's 23rd congressional district. Herrera is a firearm enthusiast and self-described 'Second Amendment activist' running on a hardline MAGA platform.

Tony Gonzales

The outgoing Republican representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district, who dropped out of the race under pressure from GOP leadership after it became public that he had an affair with a former staffer in his office, who later died by suicide.

Katy Padilla Stout

The Democratic attorney running against Herrera for the House seat in Texas's 23rd congressional district.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who endorsed Herrera in the race to replace Gonzales in Texas's 23rd congressional district.

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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.'”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“'As your next Congressman, he will work tirelessly to advance our MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN Agenda. Brandon will fight hard to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Advance MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Safeguard our Elections, Champion School Choice, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Brave Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.'”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“'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 (X)

What’s next

The Republican will go up against Democratic attorney Katy Padilla Stout for the House seat in November.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Herrera is seen as a boost for the Republican candidate in a key House race in Texas, as the former president continues to wield significant influence within the GOP. The race will be closely watched as Republicans aim to maintain control of the House of Representatives.