YouTube's ‘AK Guy’ could soon represent Uvalde: Inside Brandon Herrera's unlikely path to Congress

Long before running for Congress, Herrera had established a lucrative career around firearms and online media. Known as 'The AK Guy,' Herrera built a YouTube following of more than four million subscribers with videos testing and discussing firearms, often accompanied by provocative humor. He also operates a firearms manufacturing business that he recently valued at between $5 million and $25 million in an amended financial disclosure. That existing audience gave Herrera something most first-time congressional candidates lack: national name recognition and a ready-made fundraising and supporter network before entering electoral politics.

Herrera’s route into congressional politics was intertwined with a bitter Republican divide following the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, where 19 children and two teachers were killed. Then-Rep Tony Gonzales, whose district included Uvalde, was among the Republicans who supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed after the massacre. His vote angered gun-rights conservatives and contributed to opposition against him from within his own party. Herrera, an outspoken opponent of additional firearms restrictions, challenged Gonzales in the 2024 Republican primary.

What initially looked like an outsider challenge became a serious threat to the incumbent. Herrera forced Gonzales into a Republican runoff in 2024. Gonzales had backing from prominent Republicans including Texas Gov Greg Abbott and House Speaker Mike Johnson, but Herrera nevertheless came within roughly 400 votes of defeating him. Gonzales survived and went on to retain the district in November. Herrera did not disappear after the loss. He announced another challenge to Gonzales for 2026, setting up what initially appeared likely to be a rematch.

Gonzales' withdrawal dramatically altered Herrera's second run for Congress. Days later, President Donald Trump endorsed Herrera, calling him an “America First Patriot” and giving him his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” The endorsement marked a notable reversal in the Republican dynamics surrounding the race. Trump had previously backed Gonzales, while House Speaker Mike Johnson had also supported the incumbent. With Gonzales out, Republican leaders quickly consolidated behind Herrera. Johnson later traveled to San Antonio to raise money for him, saying Republicans needed to hold the seat.

Herrera now faces Democrat Katy Padilla Stout, a San Antonio attorney and former elementary-school teacher — creating a striking matchup between a firearms YouTuber and a former educator. Trump carried TX-23 by about 15 points in 2024, but Democrats have added the open seat to their target list. A Herrera victory would complete an unlikely turnaround: from narrowly losing his first congressional bid to representing a sprawling district that includes Uvalde.