Democrats see an unexpected opportunity in Texas’s 23rd Congressional District as controversial gun influencer Brandon Herrera emerges as the Republican nominee following Gonzales’ withdrawal.
SAN ANTONIO | A sudden shakeup in one of Texas’ most geographically sprawling congressional districts has transformed the political landscape in the 2026 midterm elections, as Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales withdrew his reelection bid, clearing the path for social media personality Brandon Herrera to become the GOP nominee in Texas's 23rd congressional district.
The sudden shift has energized Democrats who believe the combination of scandal, a polarizing Republican nominee, and shifting Latino voter dynamics could make the traditionally Republican district more competitive than it has been in years.
“This race is definitely more competitive than it’s ever been,” said former Democratic Congressman Pete Gallego, who previously represented the district until 2014.
A District Spanning the Texas Border
Texas’ 23rd District stretches from suburban San Antonio across hundreds of miles of border communities to areas outside El Paso, making it one of the most diverse and geographically expansive districts in the state.
While the district has leaned Republican in recent elections — including a decisive victory there by Donald Trump in 2024 — it has historically been competitive. Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton narrowly carried the district in 2016.
Political strategists say that underlying volatility could create an opening if Democratic turnout surges.

