Texas CD-23 Headed to Runoff — 2 If By Sea Tactical Endorses Brandon Herrera
- Austin Reville
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Tuesday’s Republican primary in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District is headed to a runoff — and the results were razor thin. Incumbent U.S. Representative Ernest “Tony” Gonzales will face gun industry figure and firearms manufacturer Brandon Herrera in a May 26 runoff after neither candidate secured a majority of the vote.
With roughly 77% of ballots counted early Wednesday, Gonzales held 20,280 votes (42.5%) while Herrera trailed by just four votes at 20,276. The remaining candidates finished far behind.
The 23rd District stretches from San Antonio west to El Paso, covering 15 counties. Herrera posted commanding leads of more than 15 points in Brewster, Culberson, Kinney, and Loving counties. Gonzales held a similar margin in only one county, Pecos. This race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Republican runoffs in the country.
Why This Race Matters
The difference between these two candidates is not subtle when it comes to the Second Amendment. Rep. Gonzales, first elected in 2021, was one of just 14 House Republicans who joined Democrats in passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 — the most sweeping federal gun control package in a generation.
That vote alone raised serious concerns among gun owners across Texas and nationwide. Herrera, on the other hand, is well known in the firearms community as a licensed manufacturer (07 FFL), designer of the AK-50 project, and outspoken advocate for the right to keep and bear arms.
He has been unapologetic in his support for:
Repealing federal overreach
Opposing Red Flag laws
Expanding Second Amendment protections
Holding the line against incremental gun control
Political Headwinds on Both Sides
Gonzales enters the runoff carrying controversy. Multiple media reports indicate that some House Republicans have privately called for him to step down amid misconduct allegations involving a former aide.
Herrera has also faced criticism in Texas media over selectively highlighted past comments and content — though supporters argue those attacks are political attempts to undercut a strong pro-Second Amendment challenger. Regardless of media narratives, the choice for gun owners is clear.
Our Position at 2 If By Sea Tactical
At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we believe elected officials should defend the Second Amendment without compromise. When a Republican member of Congress votes for sweeping federal gun control legislation, that is not a minor policy disagreement — it’s a defining vote.
We endorse Brandon Herrera in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. Texas deserves representation that does not bend under pressure, will not “compromise” away constitutional rights Brandon will never vote for federal expansions of gun control, in fact he will do everything in his power to decrease it.
Herrera has built his public and professional life around firearm education, manufacturing, and advocacy. He understands the culture, the community, and the constitutional stakes.
What Happens Next
The runoff election will take place on May 26. The winner will advance as the Republican nominee in November.
If you live in Texas’ 23rd District:
Get informed
Get registered
Get to the polls
Runoffs often come down to turnout. Every vote matters. At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we will continue to support candidates who defend the Second Amendment clearly, consistently, and without apology. Because constitutional rights aren’t negotiable and neither is our commitment to defending them.
Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.
Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.
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