US House · TX-23

Federal

Gonzales withdrew March 5 after an ethics scandal. Brandon Herrera, who led the primary 43.3% to 41.7%, is the automatic Republican nominee. Trump endorsed Herrera March 11. Cook and Sabato moved the race from Safe to Likely Republican after the withdrawal.

Incumbent: Tony Gonzales(R)

Primary, Mar 3, 2026

Represents West Texas, the Big Bend, and western San Antonio in Congress, the largest House district in Texas by area, stretching from San Antonio to El Paso.

US House · TX-23

Primary Results

Called · 100% reporting

Republican Primary

Brandon Herrera wins

Brandon Herrera

43.3%

23,857 votes

Tony Gonzales(i)

41.7%

22,979 votes

Keith Barton

8.5%

4,672 votes

Francisco Canseco

6.5%

3,554 votes

Democratic Primary

APKaty Padilla Stout wins

Katy Padilla Stout

52.0%

30,667 votes

Santos Limon

27.2%

16,042 votes

Bruce Richardson

11.8%

6,939 votes

Gretel Marysdatter Enck

9.0%

5,302 votes

Updated Mar 15, 7:02 PM CT·TX SOS·Called by AP

November General Election

Nov 3, 2026

Rated Likely RepublicanCook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball

Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball both moved this to Likely Republican after Tony Gonzales withdrew March 5 following a House Ethics Committee investigation. Brandon Herrera, a firearms-content creator with no political record, is the nominee in a structurally Republican West Texas district.

Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball