Recently, Speaker Johnson visited Texas in a move that agitated a number of Republicans.

The visit shows that RINOs are sweating the heated primary election in Texas’s 23rd District, with Tony Gonzales, an established figure within the Republican party, and Brandon Herrera, a well-known YouTuber.

Tony Gonzales, a Republican representative from Texas, stirred up controversy among follow Republicans with his comments about the party. Employing strong words during his appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Gonzales expressed dissatisfaction with some of his coworkers.

“I served 20 years in the military. It’s my absolute honor to be in Congress, but I serve with some real scumbags,” Gonzales said.

He raised accusations against Representative Matt Gaetz, alleging he had inappropriate relations with minors, despite the fact that the Department of Justice had dropped the case. He also used derogatory terms for other Congress members.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), expressed his shock in response to Speaker Johnson campaigning for Gonzales in San Antonio, on a local radio station, KTSA. Roy voiced his feelings of being under attack and his inability to accept the treatment of those he considered defenders of the country.

“To have the speaker be in San Antonio campaigning for Tony … I’m just beside myself that that’s where things are,” Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) told San Antonio radio station KTSA.

“I’m being attacked. Conservatives are being attacked. Bob Good, the chairman of the Freedom Caucus, is being attacked by Tony,” Roy said. “Yeah, I cannot tolerate what’s happening to the people that I think are standing up for this country.”

Gonzales has been caught doing dirty tricks and making dishonest claims against Herrera. Even though Gonzales has a substantial fundraising advantage of $1.5 million compared to Herrera’s $300,000, Herrera boasts a large internet following which reduces his need for paid advertisements.

Johnson’s decision to fundraise for Gonzales, despite his ample funds, is an interesting move. Typically, having the Speaker of the House fundraise for you is a plus, but after the aid bill, it may not work out so well.

While we were unable to locate a concrete poll, we did find a subtly suggestive article in the Texas Tribune which implies Herrera is holding his own against Gonzales, despite being viewed as a brash 28-year-old. Herrera is a regular on the Unsubscribe Podcast, hosted primarily by veterans and ex-law enforcement officers, known for their raw and dark military humor.

Gonzales has faced backlash for twisting a joke made by the podcast hosts, Herrera included, about veteran suicides and using it for campaign propaganda. However, Herrera’s friends in the veterans’ community, including Tim Kennedy, rallied to his support and produced an ad in his defense.

The video now has over a million views.

Contrary to what @TonyGonzales4TX says, @TheAKGuy has a lot of veterans who support him. pic.twitter.com/V8RQlvbQYp

— Donut Operator 🍩 (@DonutOperator) May 1, 2024