YouTuber, firearm manufacturer and Second Amendment advocate Brandon Herrera has officially announced that he is running once again for Congress in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales.
Herrera made his announcement live at the Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS), stating that after narrowly losing the previous race by less than 400 votes, he’s ready to finish what he started.
In a video announcement, Herrera said, “Texas District 23 deserves a real conservative, not a cheap fake who plays one on TV… someone who will vote not just to protect, but to enhance your gun rights.” He criticized Rep. Gonzales for voting for Biden-backed gun control legislation, failing to support border security, and working against the interests of conservative constituents.
Herrera’s first campaign in 2022 marked his entry into politics, where he ran a grassroots campaign without corporate PAC money or special interest backing. Despite being outspent more than 10 to 1, Herrera forced Gonzales into a runoff—an outcome only triggered when an incumbent fails to secure more than 50% of the vote in the primary.
That runoff race, held over a brutal two-month period, became one of the most high-profile congressional primaries in the country, drawing national attention and the involvement of Washington D.C. establishment figures. Gonzales ultimately won by just 1%, a margin that highlighted the strength of Herrera’s campaign despite long odds.
In the new campaign cycle, Herrera is already pledging to go further. He announced he will personally match donations in August up to $100,000 and is again relying on small-dollar grassroots support, avoiding the influence of lobbyists and special interests. “Last time, we might have broken a record for small-dollar donations in a congressional race,” Herrera said. “This time, I want to make sure we give them a fight they’re not ready for.”
Herrera also committed publicly to declining stock trades while in office and voiced his support for legislation that would ban such activity for members of Congress, a move meant to differentiate himself from establishment politicians.
Gun Owners of America (GOA) has already thrown its support behind Herrera. In an email to supporters, GOA emphasized that Herrera came “SO CLOSE” to unseating Gonzales, who they labeled “anti-gun” and “anti-freedom” for voting in favor of gun control measures.
As a firearm manufacturer and prominent 2A content creator known as “The AK Guy,” Herrera has built a loyal following within the gun community and among constitutional conservatives. His message is direct: elect someone who won’t just talk about protecting rights, but will vote that way when it counts.
With Texas’ 23rd District stretching across vast terrain and including portions of the border, the race is expected to again draw national attention. Herrera is entering this campaign with more experience, a battle-tested grassroots operation, and a renewed commitment to replacing Gonzales with a candidate who reflects the values of Texas gun owners and constitutional conservatives.
For those looking to support the campaign or get involved, Herrera’s campaign website is: brandonherrera for congress.com
