President Donald Trump continues to announce endorsements in Texas congressional races. Among his latest endorsements is Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), which has fired up his campaign while drawing the ire from conservatives.
Rep. Gonzales has dealt with a controversial few months after the death of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, his regional district director, earlier this year under mysterious circumstances. Despite the death, the Texas Republican vowed to embark on a "successful" re-election campaign to continue representing Texans in U.S. House District 23.
The president has now signaled that he wants to see Rep. Gonzales in office.
In a Truth Social post, President Trump called Rep. Gonzales a "terrific Representative," highlighting that "as a retired Master Chief Petty Officer from the U.S. Navy, who bravely deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, Tony knows the Wisdom and Courage that is required to Defend our Country, Support our Brave Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH."
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the president commented that Rep. Gonzales "is working hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment."
Responding to the endorsement, the Texas congressman simply thanked the president for his support.
Conservatives, however, are less thrilled about the endorsement, as some have voiced their support for Rep. Gonzales's primary opponent, Brandon Herrera.
Known as the 'AK Guy," Herrera is looking to unseat the Republican incumbent, saying that "Tony has betrayed Trump before, and he will again."
"If [Tony] believes any endorsement can save him from his voting record, his scandals, or his lies, he is sorely mistaken," Herrera responded on X to news of the president's endorsement.
State Rep. Wes Virdell (R-TX), who represents Texas House District 53, subsequently endorsed Herrera for the race, saying that "Brandon Herrera will fight for you and your rights."
