Texas’ 23rd District went for Trump by 15 points in 2024—but a scandal and one of the most controversial candidates in the country have national Democrats eyeing an upset. After Republican Tony Gonzales dropped out following an affair scandal, gun YouTuber Brandon Herrera stepped in—bringing millions of online followers, a Trump endorsement, and a trail of Holocaust jokes and controversial videos. His opponent, Katy Padilla Stout, is running on affordability and her deep South Texas roots, but faces a steep financial gap. Plus, 96% of Herrera’s donors live outside the district.
