Texas 23rd Congressional District primary sets May 26 runoff as Gonzales and Herrera lead Republican field

Runoff expected in Republican contest; Democrats appear to have a nominee

Voters in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District delivered a fractured Republican primary on March 3, 2026, placing incumbent U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales and challenger Brandon Herrera on track for a May 26 runoff under Texas election rules requiring a majority to secure a nomination.

With 87.6% of precincts reporting late Tuesday, Herrera led the Republican field with 23,596 votes (43%), while Gonzales followed with 22,668 (42%). Two other Republicans trailed: Keith Barton with 4,628 (9%) and former U.S. Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco with 3,509 (6%).

On the Democratic side, early returns showed attorney and educator Katy Padilla Stout positioned to avoid a runoff. With 15.6% of precincts reporting, she led with 22,186 votes (52%), followed by Santos Limon with 11,163 (26%), Bruce Richardson with 5,000 (12%) and Gretel Enck with 4,141 (10%).

A district spanning border communities and parts of San Antonio

Texas’ 23rd Congressional District stretches across a broad expanse of Southwest Texas, encompassing a long portion of the U.S.-Mexico border corridor and communities from the San Antonio area westward toward El Paso. The geography and mix of urban, rural and border-region concerns have historically made the seat one of the more closely watched House contests in the state.

Candidates and issues shaping the next phase

The Republican runoff will reprise a rivalry between Gonzales, who is seeking a fourth term, and Herrera, a prominent online personality and firearms-industry entrepreneur who previously challenged Gonzales. The March 3 results suggest a closely divided GOP electorate, with the combined vote for the third- and fourth-place candidates large enough to determine the runoff outcome if those voters consolidate behind one finalist.

The race has unfolded amid public controversy surrounding Gonzales’ personal conduct. Gonzales has declined to publicly address questions for months related to allegations involving a former aide who died in 2025. The issue has been a central line of attack from his Republican rivals during the campaign.

In the Democratic contest, Padilla Stout’s early lead placed her on pace to advance directly to the general election if final tabulations keep her above the 50% threshold.

• Republican primary leaders (partial returns): Brandon Herrera 43%, Tony Gonzales 42%
• Democratic primary leader (partial returns): Katy Padilla Stout 52%
• Next key date: May 26, 2026, for the Republican runoff if no candidate surpasses 50%

Texas law requires a runoff when no candidate receives more than half of the vote in a primary election.

Final results will be determined as remaining precincts report and election officials complete standard post-election counting and verification processes.