Tony GonzalesServing

Tony Gonzales

U.S. HouseRepublican

TX-23 U.S. House

Age 45·Mexican American·U.S. Representative for TX-23 (2021-present)

Why This Race Matters

Tony Gonzales is running against Brandon Herrera (R, challenger - rematch); Francisco Canseco (R, former congressman); Keith Barton (R); Susan Storey Rubio (R, rancher).

TX-23 is a proxy war between centrist and hard-right factions of the Republican Party. Gonzales was censured by the Texas GOP in 2023 for voting for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (the only Texas Republican to do so, representing Uvalde) and the Respect for Marriage Act. His 2024 primary opponent Brandon Herrera, a gun-rights YouTuber known as "The AK Guy," lost by just 354 votes in the runoff (50.6%-49.4%) and is back for a rematch. Despite party tensions, Trump endorsed Gonzales for 2026 -- his first endorsement of Gonzales after staying neutral in prior cycles. As Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Conference, Gonzales is the most prominent Latino Republican in the House.

The general election is rated Solid/Safe Republican by Cook, Inside Elections, and Sabato's Crystal Ball -- the real fight is in the March 3 primary. Gonzales leads fundraising with $1.77M raised and $2.48M cash on hand vs. Herrera's $864K raised and $721K COH. Former Rep. Francisco Canseco, who held this seat in 2011-2013, is also running. TX-23 is the largest border district in the country (800+ miles, larger than 30 states, spans two time zones). Gonzales won the 2024 general 62.3%-37.7% over Democrat Santos Limon.

Key dates to watch: Primary on March 3, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Tony Gonzales represents TX-23, the largest border district in the country spanning over 800 miles of the southern border. A 20-year Navy veteran who rose to Master Chief Petty Officer (achieved by less than 1% of enlisted personnel), he serves as Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Conference for the 119th Congress. Born in San Antonio, he was abandoned by his father at two months old, and at age seven, he and his mother sought refuge at a battered women's shelter. Raised primarily by his grandparents in San Antonio, Devine, and Camp Wood, he left high school at 18 to join the Navy without a diploma after his grandfather passed away. He is considered a moderate Republican, having voted for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the Respect for Marriage Act.

Family & Heritage

Mexican American heritage. Born Ernest Anthony Gonzales II in San Antonio, Texas. Abandoned by his father when he was two months old. At age seven, he and his mother sought refuge at a battered women's shelter. Raised primarily by his grandparents in San Antonio, Devine, and Camp Wood. Left high school at 18 without a diploma to join the Navy after his beloved grandfather passed away. Married to Angel; they have six children: Christina, Jesus, Emmanuel, Daniel, Gabriel, and Izzy. Lives in San Antonio.

Political Career

Before Politics

U.S. Navy Cryptologist (1999-2019, 20 years). Rose to Master Chief Petty Officer, the Navy's highest enlisted rank achieved by less than 1% of personnel. Deployed multiple times supporting combat operations in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). Participated in regional security operations throughout Asia. Stationed in Tampa FL, Pensacola FL, Kaneohe Bay HI, and San Antonio TX. Served as Department of Defense Legislative Fellow in Senator Marco Rubio's office, focusing on defense, foreign policy, and intelligence matters. Worked on crafting the VA Accountability Act.

Education

Ph.D. candidate in International Development (Security Studies and International Politics), University of Southern Mississippi; M.A. in International Relations and Conflict Resolution, American Public University (2014); Graduate Certificate in Legislative Studies, Georgetown University; B.S., Excelsior College; A.A., Chaminade University of Honolulu; Earned high school diploma while serving in Navy

Key Issues & Priorities

*Border security and immigration (represents 800+ miles of southern border)
*Veterans affairs and mental health
*Homeland security
*Defense and national security
*VA healthcare access in South and West Texas
*Bipartisan solutions through For Country Caucus

Endorsements

President Donald Trump (2026)
Governor Greg Abbott
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick
House Speaker Mike Johnson
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise
Every Republican leader in U.S. House of Representatives

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