GOP Candidate for Texas’ 23rd District Faces Scrutiny Over ‘Mein Kampf’ Possession and Past Behavior
Brandon Herrera, the Republican nominee for Texas’ 23rd congressional district, is facing mounting criticism following the emergence of videos showing him boasting about owning a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf and appearing to mimic Nazi salutes. The controversy comes after a tumultuous primary race that saw his opponent, incumbent Tony Gonzales, drop out amidst a scandal involving an affair and an ethics investigation. Herrera’s past online activity, including videos featuring Nazi weaponry, is now under intense scrutiny as he prepares to campaign for a seat representing a large swath of West Texas.
The situation unfolded rapidly after videos circulated online, prompting widespread condemnation. Herrera, who operates a popular YouTube channel called “The AK Guy” with over 4 million followers, is seen in one clip displaying a photo of his copy of Mein Kampf on his phone. He reportedly stated he acquired the 1939 English edition because he found it “wild” that it wasn’t available on Amazon, while The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital were readily accessible. In another video, shared by House Majority PAC, Herrera appears to perform a goose-step while a Nazi marching song, “Erika,” plays in the background. These incidents have reignited accusations of extremist views, allegations Herrera previously denied.
Gonzales’ Exit and Herrera’s Rise
Herrera’s path to the nomination was paved by the withdrawal of Tony Gonzales, a Republican who had served in the House of Representatives since 2021. Gonzales’ decision to exit the race followed reports of an affair with a staffer and a subsequent ethics investigation. Prior to Gonzales’ departure, the incumbent had publicly criticized Herrera, labeling him a “known neo-Nazi” during their 2024 primary matchup and drawing comparisons between the GOP’s right flank and the Ku Klux Klan in relation to aid to Israel. Gonzales is expected to finish out his current term despite the scandal.
The Texas 23rd congressional district stretches across a large portion of West Texas, including areas along the U.S.-Mexico border. The district has become a focal point in national political debates surrounding border security, immigration, and energy policy. Herrera’s victory in the primary, and now his uncontested path to the general election, represents a significant shift in the political landscape of the region. The district has a complex demographic makeup, with a significant Hispanic population, making the election outcome potentially pivotal for both parties.
Controversial Content on “The AK Guy” YouTube Channel
Herrera’s YouTube channel, “The AK Guy,” is dedicated to firearms and historical weaponry. He reviews guns, demonstrates their functionality, and often features videos showcasing historical firearms. It is this focus on historical weaponry that has drawn the most criticism, specifically his videos featuring Nazi-era firearms. According to reports, Herrera referred to a Nazi gun as “the original ghetto blaster” in a 2022 video, a phrase widely condemned for its insensitive reference to the Jewish ghettos during World War II. He also reportedly restaged Hitler’s suicide by firearm in a 2025 video.
Responding to the backlash, Herrera defended his actions, claiming his intent was not malicious. He told Hearst Newspapers he purchased the copy of Mein Kampf for his “historic book collection” and keeps it next to a copy of The Communist Manifesto. He further stated he “doesn’t agree with either book” and dismissed the criticism as “hilarious.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Herrera doubled down on his stance regarding the video of him goose-stepping, stating, “I standby it, this shit was funny as hell.”
Denials and Accusations of Antisemitism
Despite the surfacing of these videos, Herrera has repeatedly denied being antisemitic or holding extremist views. He told Hearst Newspapers he does not harbor antisemitic sentiments. However, critics point to his online content and statements as evidence to the contrary. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has not yet released an official statement regarding Herrera’s actions, but the organization has previously condemned the glorification of Nazi imagery and ideology. The ADL defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.”
The controversy surrounding Herrera’s candidacy has sparked a debate about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibility of political candidates to disavow extremist ideologies. Some argue that Herrera’s actions are protected under the First Amendment and that he is being unfairly targeted for expressing controversial opinions. Others contend that his behavior is deeply offensive and harmful, and that it disqualifies him from holding public office. The incident also raises questions about the influence of online platforms in shaping political discourse and the potential for extremist content to gain traction.
Impact on the 2026 Election
Herrera’s nomination is expected to significantly impact the dynamics of the 2026 election in Texas’ 23rd congressional district. Democrats are hoping to capitalize on the controversy to flip the seat, which has traditionally been held by Republicans. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has already begun targeting Herrera with negative advertising, highlighting his controversial statements and online activity.
The outcome of the election could have broader implications for the balance of power in Congress. With the House of Representatives closely divided, every seat is crucial. A Democratic victory in Texas’ 23rd district would narrow the Republican majority and potentially shift the legislative agenda. Political analysts are closely watching the race to see whether Herrera’s controversial past will ultimately prove to be a liability or whether he can overcome the criticism and appeal to voters in the district.
The controversy surrounding Brandon Herrera underscores the growing challenges facing both parties in navigating the increasingly polarized political landscape. As candidates grapple with the demands of appealing to their base while also attracting moderate voters, the line between acceptable discourse and extremist rhetoric is becoming increasingly blurred. The election in Texas’ 23rd district will serve as a crucial test of whether voters will prioritize ideological purity or seek a more moderate path forward.
The next key date in this election cycle is the filing deadline for independent candidates, which is set for May 31, 2026, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s office. The Texas Secretary of State’s website provides detailed information on election dates and candidate qualifications. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
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