President Donald Trump has endorsed firearms manufacturer and online commentator Brandon Herrera in the race for Texas’s 23rd Congressional District after the Republican incumbent, Tony Gonzales, withdrew from the contest.

Gonzales stepped aside after reports surfaced alleging he had an affair with a staff member, identified as Regina Santos-Aviles, whose death by self-immolation at her home in Uvalde has drawn widespread attention. Gonzales acknowledged the relationship in public remarks, calling it a personal mistake and saying he had asked for forgiveness.

“I made a mistake. I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith. And I take full responsibility for those actions,” Gonzales said during a podcast interview. The matter is now under review by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics.

Trump announced his support for Herrera in a post on the social media platform Truth Social, praising him as a strong supporter of the administration’s political agenda and a candidate backed by many conservative activists in Texas.

“Brandon is strongly supported by many Highly Respected MAGA Warriors in Texas, and Republicans in the U.S. House,” Trump wrote. “As your next Congressman, he will work tirelessly to advance our MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN Agenda.”

Herrera, widely known online as “The AK Guy,” operates a firearms manufacturing business and has built a large following on YouTube through gun-related content and commentary on firearms policy. He previously challenged Gonzales in the 2024 Republican primary, losing by fewer than 400 votes in one of the closest House races in the state.

The open-seat race now pits Herrera against Democratic candidate Katy Padilla Stout, an attorney and former elementary school teacher. Democrats had not previously viewed the district as a strong pickup opportunity, but Gonzales’ departure has prompted new attention to the race.

Texas’ 23rd Congressional District spans a large region along the U.S.–Mexico border and has historically been competitive, with voters placing strong emphasis on issues such as border security, economic growth, and law enforcement.

In his endorsement, Trump said Herrera would support policies including tax cuts, deregulation, expanded domestic energy production, election security measures, school choice, and protections for the Second Amendment.

“He will fight hard to grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, and keep our border secure,” Trump wrote, adding that Herrera would strongly back U.S. military personnel, veterans, and law enforcement.

The race is expected to draw national attention as both parties compete for the seat in the next congressional election cycle.