By The newspaper
May 29, 2024, 9:40 PM EDT
Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales, representing the district that includes the city of Uvalde, where the tragic shooting that left 19 students dead occurred in 2022, won the Republican election against Brandon Herrera, a well-known gun promoter and YouTuber.
Gonzales, 43, won victory in a second round held this Tuesday, beating Herrera by just over 400 votes.
The politician of Latino origin, who was elected to the House of Representatives in Washington in 2021, represents District 23, a traditionally moderate and Hispanic-majority seat, which extends from the city of El Paso to San Antonio, along the border with Mexico.
The congressman, a Navy veteran, has earned scorn from some members of the Republican Party for his support of a bipartisan gun control law and his opposition to a border security bill.
In the primaries last March, Herrera prevented Gonzales from winning in the first instance by not allowing him to reach the majority of the votes. This Tuesday’s runoff in Texas was one of many failed attempts by ultraconservative Republican candidates to challenge their party’s congressmen in the state’s primaries.
Herrera, known for his large number of followers on social media, could request a recount due to the small difference in votes.
The right-winger campaigned alongside Trumpist Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, who last year pushed for the impeachment of US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Despite his support, he failed to surpass Gonzales.
Votes with the Democrats
Gonzales faced a multi-candidate Republican primary in the spring after breaking with his party in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting. In this tragedy, which occurred in May 2022, an 18-year-old former student, Salvador Ramos, opened fire at Robb Elementary School with an assault rifle, killing 19 children and two teachers.
The congressman voted with Democrats to expand background checks on gun buyers and close a loophole that prevented gun control. This stance earned him criticism within his party, but also support from moderate voters and those concerned about school safety.
Gonzales’ victory stands out in a political context where ultra-conservative candidates are trying to displace more moderate Republicans. His victory suggests that, at least in Texas’ District 23, voters prefer a more balanced approach focused on bipartisan collaboration.
Gonzales’ election also has national implications, as gun control remains a divisive issue in American politics.
With information from EFE.
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