Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-TX) has stirred up tensions within the Republican Party after making shocking allegations against his primary opponent Brandon Herrera and several conservative colleagues during a recent interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.” Gonzalez who is locked in a heated primary runoff battle with Herrera labeled his challenger a “neo-Nazi” and compared Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Bob Good (R-VA) who have endorsed Herrera to members of the Ku Klux Klan.
“I served 20 years in the military. It’s my absolute honor to be in Congress but I serve with some real scumbags” Gonzalez told host Dana Bash. He specifically targeted Good saying “Bob Good endorsed my opponent a known neo-Nazi. These people used to walk around with white hoods at night. Now they’re walking around with white hoods in the daytime.”
Gonzalez’s comments drew swift condemnation from Herrera a Second Amendment advocate and YouTube personality known as “The AK Guy.” On the social media platform X formerly Twitter Herrera dismissed Gonzalez’s accusations as a sign of desperation. “This is the death spiral ladies and gentlemen. He has to cry to his liberal friends about me because Republicans won’t listen anymore” Herrera wrote.
My failure of a Congressman @TonyGonzales4TX went on CNN this morning calling @mattgaetz and @RepBobGood Klansmen, and me a “known neo-Nazi.”
This is the death spiral ladies and gentlemen.
He has to cry to his liberal friends about me, because Republicans won’t listen anymore. pic.twitter.com/Wal5m3NclP
— Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) April 21, 2024
Gaetz also fired back at Gonzalez accusing him of “laundering lies on CNN” and doubling down on his support for Herrera. During the interview Gonzalez had resurfaced previously debunked allegations against Gaetz which Bash pointed out had been investigated by federal authorities without leading to any charges.
The Texas congressman’s inflammatory remarks have also drawn criticism from other conservative lawmakers. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) took to X to announce his endorsement of Herrera, stating, “Hey Brandon add me to your list of endorsements. We will never save the country with guys like Tony.”
Gonzalez’s accusations come as he faces growing backlash from within the Republican Party over his moderate policy positions including his support for increased immigration and opposition to border security measures. The Texas Republican Party censured Gonzalez last year for his stances that have put him at odds with the party’s conservative base.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced he’d attend a fundraising event for Gonzalez.
The primary runoff between Gonzalez and Herrera scheduled for May 28 is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle not only over his political ideology but also his inflammatory comments and the future direction of the Texas GOP. With prominent conservatives rallying behind Herrera the race has become a flashpoint for competing visions within the party.
