Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales narrowly won his primary against a gun-rights activist in Texas, reflecting the party turbulence in the state over votes that went against party lines and the impeachment of the state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Another prominent Texas Republican, state House Speaker Dade Phelan, also won narrowly, despite being challenged by a candidate backed by former President Donald Trump. These victories come amid a wave of anger from hard-line conservatives in America’s biggest red state.
Gonzales defeated Brandon Herrera, a gun enthusiast known as “The AK Guy,” who attacked him over his support for a gun safety bill after a school shooting in 2022 and past criticism of hard-line immigration proposals. Despite being cast as a moderate within the GOP, Gonzales faced criticism from hard-right conservatives and was censured by the Republican Party of Texas for his support for same-sex marriage protections and gun safety legislation. He will face Democrat Santos Limon in the November general election.
Herrera, a gun manufacturer with a large following on social media, criticized Gonzales for his votes and positions, portraying him as not serious. Gonzales defended his vote for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which raised background checks for minors, saying he worked hard to ensure the legislation protected the Constitution while solving problems. Gonzales significantly outraised Herrera in campaign funds and had the backing of establishment Republicans, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
In another key primary runoff, state House Speaker Dade Phelan narrowly won against a challenger backed by Trump. Phelan faced criticism for presiding over votes that enacted tough anti-abortion laws, expanded gun rights, supported anti-immigration policies, and curtailed LGBTQ+ rights. Despite accusations of attracting Democratic voters in the Republican primary, Phelan declared victory and vowed to remain speaker. The race highlighted fractures within the GOP nationally.
Other notable primary runoffs in Texas included former Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pierson defeating incumbent Justin Holland for his state House seat in the Dallas suburbs. Republicans also picked Jay Furman as the nominee to run against Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar, who was indicted on federal charges this spring. Republicans also chose real estate businessman Craig Goldman to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Kay Granger in a heavily Republican district anchored in Fort Worth. Granger, the nation’s longest-serving GOP congresswoman, announced last year that she would not seek re-election.
