A fiery clash is unfolding within the Republican ranks as Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas finds himself in hot water with the party’s conservative wing. The conflict ignited when Gonzales didn’t mince words about his colleagues, calling Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Bob Good of Virginia “scumbags” during a candid interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

This sharp rebuke has spurred a rallying cry among hard-line conservatives who are now throwing their weight behind Gonzales’s primary challenger, Brandon Herrera. Herrera, a social media influencer known for his robust Second Amendment advocacy, aims to outflank Gonzales on the right—a strategy that seems to be gaining traction.

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In the aftermath of Gonzales’s remarks, Rep. Bob Good, who leads the House Freedom Caucus, took to the social platform X to voice his displeasure. He accused Gonzales of adopting a Democrat-like stance on key issues, particularly criticizing his approach to border security and federal spending. Meanwhile, Gaetz, who has never shied away from the spotlight, branded Gonzales as “Turncoat Tony,” adding a personal sting to their professional disagreements.

As we edge closer to the May 28 runoff in Texas’s 23rd Congressional District, the stakes are high. Gonzales, first elected in 2020, initially outpaced Herrera by 20 percentage points in the March primary but fell short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff. This upcoming election is not just a test for Gonzales but a litmus test for the ideological purity some conservatives crave.

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Gonzales has often been at odds with the more conservative elements of his party, drawing ire for his support of a bipartisan gun safety bill and federal protections for same-sex marriage—positions that led the Texas Republican Party to censure him last year.

The current infighting mirrors a larger existential crisis within the GOP, spotlighting the tug-of-war between moderates and conservatives. As hard-liners seek to push their agenda, figures like Gonzales are finding it increasingly challenging to navigate these turbulent waters.

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This internal drama isn’t just about who will represent Texas’s 23rd; it’s a broader debate over the future trajectory of the Republican Party. With endorsements flying and political strategies sharpening, the next few weeks are set to be a decisive battle, both for Gonzales and for the soul of the GOP.