Gonzales defends himself against hardline Republican challenger in Texas House runoff

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) is expected to survive a challenge from his right and win the GOP primary in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Gonzales narrowly defeated YouTuber and gun enthusiast Brandon Herrera in the Republican race for his congressional seat, which runs from San Antonio to El Paso. The Texas Republican was forced into a runoff after failing to win at least half the vote in the GOP’s initial primary in March.

Prominent conservatives supported Gonzales’ challenger, including House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good (R-Va.) and Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) and Eli Crane (R-Ariz.). Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Gov. Greg Abbott (R), and Texas Republican Reps. Ronny Jackson and Jake Ellzey, among others, have endorsed Gonzales.

Gonzales, who replaced former Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) starting in 2021, has differed against hardliners on several issues, including opposing the inclusion of a mandatory warrant in a U.S. spying program and voting in favor of it. of Johnson’s foreign aid package.

The Texas Republican Party voted to censure the congressman last May for his support of several bills, including the bipartisan gun safety law and the Respect Marriage Act.

But Gonzales’ victory represents the latest blow to hardliners who tried to defeat moderate Republicans in the primaries. Good also supported a challenger to Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), although Bacon was expected to prevail in that primary anyway.

At the same time, other radicals fight for their political life, especially Good. Trump endorsed his main opponent on Tuesday.

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story