Texas GOP Candidate Boasts About Owning Hitler’s ‘Mein Kampf’

The race for Texas’ 23rd congressional district took a startling turn this week as newly-minted GOP nominee Brandon Herrera faces intense scrutiny following the resurfacing of videos showcasing his ownership of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf and participation in what appears to be a mock Nazi march. The controversy erupted just days after incumbent Representative Tony Gonzales dropped out of the race amid a scandal involving an affair with a staffer and a subsequent ethics investigation.

Herrera, a firearms manufacturer and YouTuber known online as “The AK Guy,” initially drew attention for his unconventional campaign and strong stance on Second Amendment rights. Although, a clip circulating online, first flagged by House Majority PAC, shows Herrera proudly displaying a 1939 English edition of Mein Kampf. “That’s my copy at my house next to a bunch of the German stick grenades,” he stated in the video, adding that he found it “wild” the book wasn’t available on Amazon although other controversial texts like The Communist Manifesto were.

From YouTube to the Ballot Box: Herrera’s Rise

Brandon Herrera’s path to the GOP nomination was paved by the turmoil surrounding Representative Gonzales. Gonzales, a moderate Republican, faced increasing criticism from the right wing of the party, particularly after he broke with some conservative positions on issues like gun control and aid to Ukraine. The situation escalated when allegations of an affair surfaced, leading to the ethics investigation and Gonzales’ decision to withdraw from the race. As reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Gonzales himself had previously labeled Herrera a “known neo-Nazi” during the primary campaign.

Herrera’s online presence, built around his firearms expertise and YouTube channel boasting over 4 million subscribers, has been a key component of his campaign. He frequently posts videos reviewing weapons and showcasing historical firearms. However, it’s this incredibly platform that has now become a source of controversy, with additional videos emerging showing Herrera and an associate performing a mock goose-step to the Nazi marching song “Erika.” He responded to the video on X, stating, “I standby it, this shit was funny as hell.”

A District in Transition: The Political Landscape of TX-23

Texas’ 23rd congressional district, which stretches along the U.S.-Mexico border, has undergone significant demographic shifts in recent years. Once a reliably Republican district, it’s become more competitive due to a growing Latino population and increasing urbanization. Gonzales’ moderate stance had appealed to some of these voters, but his departure has opened the door for a more conservative candidate like Herrera. The district’s unique challenges – including border security, water rights and economic development – will likely be central to the general election campaign.

The Fallout and Herrera’s Defense

The surfacing of these videos has prompted widespread condemnation from Democrats and raised concerns among some Republicans. House Majority PAC, a Democratic super PAC, has been actively sharing the clips on social media, aiming to portray Herrera as an extremist. Despite the backlash, Herrera has maintained that his actions were intended as satire and that he does not hold antisemitic views. According to Rolling Stone, Herrera texted Hearst Newspapers, stating he purchased the book for his “historic book collection” and keeps it next to his copy of The Communist Manifesto, adding, “I don’t agree with either book.” He likewise dismissed the criticism as a misinterpretation of humor.

Beyond the Controversy: What’s Next for the Race?

With Gonzales out of the picture, Herrera is now the presumptive GOP nominee. The general election is expected to be closely contested, with Democrats hoping to capitalize on the controversy surrounding Herrera. The Democratic nominee has yet to be determined, but the party is likely to focus on Herrera’s controversial statements and attempt to paint him as out of touch with the district’s diverse population. AOL reports that Herrera is already anticipating attacks from his opponents and claims they are deliberately misconstruing his actions.

The coming months will be crucial as both parties gear up for a battle for the 23rd district. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress, particularly given the district’s shifting demographics and the national political climate. The focus will likely remain on Herrera’s past statements and actions, as Democrats seek to define him as an extremist and Republicans attempt to defend him as a misunderstood patriot.