Gun Rights Activist Brandon Herrera Ramps Up Bid to Unseat Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales, Accuses Him of Alleged Affair

After falling short of unseating U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales in last year's Texas Republican primary, firearm manufacturer, gun rights activist and YouTuber Brandon Herrera, also known as "The AK Guy," is mounting another serious bid and has already raised more than $1 million as he prepares to take on the incumbent, who has represented Texas' 23rd Congressional District since 2021.

Last year, Gonzales beat Herrera by a margin of 50.6 percent to 49.4 percent in a runoff after neither candidate won a majority in the primary. With more than three months to go until the 2026 primary, Herrera has already surpassed what he raised in the 2024 cycle, putting new pressure on Gonzales' seat.

Gonzales, who was first elected to Congress in 2020, represents a district that stretches from San Antonio to El Paso and covers more of the U.S.-Mexico border than any other district in the country. In 2024, he beat Herrera by about 400 votes despite a stronger fundraising operation and a roster of powerful allies, making the 2026 cycle one to watch in South Texas.

Hoping to unseat Gonzales this time, Herrera has turned to tactics he believes may give him an edge. As reported by The Texas Tribune, he used a press conference to accuse Gonzales of having an extramarital affair with a congressional aide who died earlier this year after setting herself on fire, an allegation Gonzales denies.

"While my opponent Tony Gonzales has prioritized betraying President Trump and distracting himself with having extramarital affairs with his congressional staff, I've been hard at work listening to the voters of Southwest Texas and heeding their call for a new representative with integrity who will support President Trump, fight for greater affordability, and defend our Constitutional rights," Herrera said, as reported by The Texas Tribune.

Following Herrera's comments, Gonzales used his public appearance at the TribFest in November to deny the allegations.

"The rumors are completely untruthful, and Regina's family has asked for privacy," said Gonzales, who is married with six kids, adding that he was not informed of the circumstances surrounding her death and was waiting on a final report from law enforcement.

As noted by The Texas Tribune, Regina Santos-Aviles died in September of suicide by self-immolation. Other outlets like the Daily Mail and Current Revolt reported that Santos-Aviles' husband was aware of the alleged relationship and that the couple were reportedly separated at the time of her death, although the Tribune did not confirm the accuracy of those reports.

Despite the threats coming from Herrera's side, Gonzales told the outlet he welcomes a second challenge.

"I've beaten him multiple times, and I'll beat him again," he said. "Call 'em zombies. You knock 'em down, they come back again."