Full Breakdown
Speaker Mike Johnson Defends Endorsement of Texas GOP Candidate Brandon Herrera
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
During a CNN “State of the Union” interview, House Speaker Mike Johnson was shown a resurfaced 2022 video of Republican congressional hopeful Brandon Herrera. In the clip, Herrera uses vulgar language about a gun-safety advocate’s children, referring to them as “c-m trophies.” Tapper asked Johnson why he was fundraising for a candidate with such remarks. Johnson called the language “detestable” but still described Herrera as a serious and thoughtful candidate, emphasizing the race as a choice between “common sense and crazy.”
Background on Brandon Herrera
Brandon Herrera, 30, is a Texas-based YouTuber known online as “The AK Guy,” with more than four million subscribers. The video that resurfaced shows him mocking a gun-safety advocate and later testing a Nazi-era submachine gun, which he labeled an “original ghetto blaster.” Herrera secured the Republican nomination for the Texas 23rd District after his opponent resigned. He is set to face Democratic attorney and former teacher Katy Padilla Stout, whose campaign was added to the Democratic National Committee’s targeted seats in August.
Official Statements & Responses
Johnson told Tapper that Herrera had apologized for his past remarks, characterizing him as a former provocateur who has now become a “very serious candidate for Congress.” Johnson framed the contest as a stark contrast between “common sense” and extremist rhetoric, linking the Democratic opponent to policies of the Democratic Socialists of America despite her lack of affiliation. Tapper highlighted the incongruity of Johnson’s endorsement, noting that the speaker does not reside in the district and did not nominate Herrera.
Impact on the 23rd District Race
The 23rd District is a pivotal seat for Republicans, who hold a four-seat majority in the House and face a president with low approval ratings. Winning the district is viewed as essential for maintaining that slim margin. The Democratic Party’s targeting of the seat signals a competitive race, while Johnson’s endorsement aims to bolster Republican chances despite Herrera’s controversial past.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s also in a video testing a Nazi-era sub machine gun he called it, the quote, ‘original ghetto blaster,’” — Jake Tapper
- “I know you’re not a voter in this district, you didn’t nominate this guy, but I was surprised to see you endorse him and fundraise for him,” — Jake Tapper
- “He has apologized for all that. He was a podcaster and a provocateur and he tried to get attention... Now he’s running as a very serious candidate for Congress, and a very thoughtful guy,” — House Speaker Mike Johnson