Texas Governor Greg Abbott has weighed in on the upcoming Republican primary runoff in Congressional District 23, releasing a statement endorsing Congressman Tony Gonzales for re-election. Gonzales faces YouTube and social media personality Brandon Herrera in the runoff next month.
Abbott’s endorsement carried significant weight in Republican primaries last month, with the vast majority of candidates endorsed by Abbott either winning outright or earning a spot in the runoff.
“Tony Gonzales is a fierce champion for bolstering border security measures in Congress,” said Governor Abbott. “He represents more than two-thirds of the Texas-Mexico border and knows the dangerous consequences that President Joe Biden’s reckless open border policies have on our state—and our nation. I know Tony will continue the fight in our nation’s capital to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorists, re-instate the Remain in Mexico policies, and deport people who illegally enter our country. I urge all Texans across Congressional District 23 to join me in supporting Tony Gonzales for re-election in the upcoming May primary runoff election.”
Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who has a close relationship with President Trump, endorsed Gonzales last month.
The National Border Patrol Council also cited Gonzales’ work on border security issues in endorsing him for re-election.
“Border Patrol agents can count on Congressman Tony Gonzales to show up and have their backs. Not only has Gonzales been a leader in Congress pushing back against the disastrous policies of the Biden administration, but he was also instrumental in the efforts in the House to increase the well-deserved overtime pay of Border Patrol agents, delivering for our men and women in green. We strongly endorse him for reelection and appreciate his steadfast commitment to securing the border and providing a voice for our agents in Congress,” said Brandon Judd, President of the National Border Patrol Council.
Gonzales, who represents a district that includes over 800 miles of the Texas-Mexico border, has made border security a centerpiece of his campaign. Gonzales authored House Resolution 1112 earlier this month, which denounces the Biden administration’s immigration policies. In a statement regarding his resolution, Gonzales said, “Americans are fed up with President Biden’s broken immigration policies. The people of my district see it firsthand every day—the border crisis is in our backyard. My resolution takes this administration to task for its failure to protect our homeland and keep Americans safe. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and say that enough is enough.”
