Trump backs Herrera for Texas House seat after Gonzales drops bid

The Hill
by Sarah Davis
March 12, 2026
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2 min read

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President Trump endorsed Brandon Herrera for a Texas House seat after Rep. Tony Gonzales dropped out.

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President Trump endorsed Texas Republican Brandon Herrera for a Texas House seat on Wednesday evening. This endorsement follows Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) dropping out of the race due to pressure from GOP leadership. Gonzales's departure came after an affair with a former staffer, who later died by suicide, became public. The article does not specify what happens next or the broader implications beyond these events.

What's Being Done

President Trump endorsed Brandon Herrera for a Texas House seat.

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Trump's Influence on Republican Politics and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, making endorsements, criticizing opponents, and pushing for specific legislation. His actions are shaping primary races and legislative priorities, often leading to internal party conflicts.

Trump's SAVE America Act Push and Political Influence

President Trump is pushing hard for the SAVE America Act, threatening to block legislation until it passes. He is also using his influence to endorse candidates and criticize opponents within the Republican party.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and Policy

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, endorsing candidates, criticizing opponents, and pushing for specific legislative agendas. His actions are shaping primary races, trade policy, and legislative priorities within Congress.

Trump's Influence on Republican Politics and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, issuing endorsements, criticizing opponents, and leveraging his support to push legislative agendas, particularly impacting congressional races and policy debates.

Trump's Influence on Republican Primaries and Legislative Agenda

Former President Trump is actively shaping the Republican legislative agenda and primary races, notably endorsing candidates and campaigning against those who oppose him, such as Rep. Thomas Massie, while pushing for the 'SAVE America Act'.

Trump's Political Influence and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, issuing endorsements, criticizing opponents, and pushing his legislative agenda. His actions are shaping primary races and national policy debates, particularly regarding the 'SAVE Act' and trade.

Trump's Influence on Republican Primaries and Policy

Former President Trump is actively shaping Republican primaries, particularly in Kentucky, by endorsing candidates and campaigning against incumbents. He is also exerting pressure on Congress regarding legislation and trade policy, threatening legislative blockades.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and 2024 Election

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, endorsing candidates, criticizing opponents, and pushing legislative agendas. His actions are shaping primary races and national policy debates, particularly concerning election integrity and trade.

Government Spending & Oversight

Tracking how taxpayer dollars are spent, where oversight gaps exist, and what watchdogs are uncovering. From federal budget battles and earmark controversies to inspector general reports and GAO audits, this deep dive follows the money trail through every level of government. We examine defense spending, entitlement programs, infrastructure investments, and the growing national debt — focusing on accountability, waste, and the policies that shape how America allocates its resources.

Trump's Political Influence and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence within the Republican party, endorsing candidates and criticizing opponents. His actions are shaping primary races and legislative debates, particularly concerning the 'SAVE America Act'.

Trump's Influence on Republican Politics and Endorsements

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, making endorsements, criticizing opponents, and pushing his legislative agenda. His actions are shaping primary races and creating tensions within the party, particularly regarding the 'SAVE America Act' and his criticism of certain GOP members.

Trump's Influence on Republican Primaries and Internal Party Dynamics

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, actively endorsing candidates and campaigning against those he deems disloyal. His efforts include publicly criticizing and seeking to oust Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky and pressuring the Senate on legislative priorities like the SAVE Act.

Trump's Influence and Political Maneuvering

Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party and national politics, engaging in endorsements, criticisms, and policy demands. His actions include targeting political opponents, pushing for specific legislation like the SAVE Act, and facing accusations of 'racist hate speech' from a UN panel.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and Legislative Agenda

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, endorsing candidates, criticizing opponents, and pushing for his legislative priorities like the SAVE Act. His actions are shaping primary races and creating tensions within the GOP.

Trump's Influence on Republican Politics and the SAVE Act

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, endorsing candidates and criticizing opponents. He is pushing for the passage of the 'SAVE America Act' and has threatened a legislative blockade until it is addressed, impacting various legislative efforts.

Immigration & Border Policy

Tracking US immigration enforcement, border security operations, policy changes, legal challenges, and the human impact of immigration decisions on families, communities, and the broader American workforce.

Trump's Political Influence and Endorsements

Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, actively endorsing candidates and engaging in political feuds. His actions, from campaigning against specific GOP members to supporting new candidates, highlight his ongoing role in shaping the political landscape.

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