Republican challenger Brandon Herrera appears to be gaining momentum against incumbent Rep. Tony Gonzales in the 23rd Congressional District, according to a new poll from Political Intelligence obtained by the Daily Caller.

The survey, conducted from Dec. 17–22, 2025, of 422 likely Republican primary voters, shows Herrera, an entrepreneur and Second Amendment activist, leading with 33% support (22% “definitely” for him, 11% leaning), compared with Gonzales at 29% (11% leaning). When asked to consider only the top two candidates on the ballot, Herrera pulls ahead 43% to Gonzales’ 34%, with 23% undecided.

Herrera emphasized his pro-gun, pro-life, pro-Trump credentials in a statement: “Texas is tired of woke Tony Gonzales. The only thing worse than his voting record is his character. I’m giving Texas 23 what they deserve, a pro-gun, pro-life, pro-Trump congressman.”

Gonzales has faced persistent controversy, including questions over his alleged personal conduct. Reports surfaced in 2025 alleging an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a married staffer who tragically died after setting herself on fire in her Uvalde backyard in September. While Gonzales has denied any wrongdoing, the allegations appear to have impacted voter confidence.

An earlier poll by The Trafalgar Group from late October 2025 showed Gonzales leading Herrera 40.4% to 35.2%, suggesting a notable shift in voter sentiment since then.

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Gonzales, posting on Truth Social on Dec. 18 that the congressman has his “COMPLETE and Total Endorsement for Re-Election.” Yet Herrera’s growing support indicates that Republican primary voters may be looking for a candidate more closely aligned with strong America First principles and conservative values.

The primary in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District is shaping up to be closely contested, with Herrera leveraging both policy stances and voter frustration over Gonzales’ controversies to mount a competitive challenge.