Brandon Herrera, a prominent Texas gun influencer and firearms manufacturer, has emerged as a leading Republican candidate for the congressional district that includes Uvalde, a community still marked by the 2022 school shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers.
Herrera, known online as “The AK Guy”, has built a YouTube following of more than four million subscribers through firearms content, political commentary and provocative videos. He is campaigning on what he describes as “Second Amendment absolutism” and has pledged to oppose new gun restrictions, including red-flag laws and higher age limits for certain semi-automatic rifles.
His political profile has also drawn scrutiny over past online remarks. Videos have included Nazi-related jokes and inflammatory comments about gun violence, while one widely circulated clip featured vulgar remarks directed at gun-safety activist Shannon Watts. Herrera has described some of his controversial online material as comedy or provocation.
The congressional race has particular significance because Herrera would represent Uvalde, where families of shooting victims have campaigned for tighter firearm regulations.
Herrera narrowly lost a Republican primary challenge to former Congressman Tony Gonzales in 2024. Gonzales later resigned, opening the current contest. Herrera now has the backing of senior Republican figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson.
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