First, Congressman Tony Gonzales abruptly dropped out of the Republican runoff in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, clearing the path for gun rights activist Brandon Herrera to become the Republican nominee.
Then, in a move that many activists are calling a political masterstroke, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced he would withdraw from the Senate race against John Cornyn if Senate Republicans abolish the filibuster and pass President Trump’s SAVE Act.
Taken together, the developments represent a major shift in momentum toward grassroots conservatives — and away from the Washington establishment.
Herrera Becomes GOP Nominee in CD-23
After facing calls from Speaker Johnson and Republican leadership to drop out amid ethics violations surrounding an affair with a staffer, Tony Gonzales exited the race, effectively handing the Republican nomination to Brandon Herrera.
Herrera, a nationally known gun rights activist and firearms manufacturer, surged in the Republican primary with strong grassroots support from gun owners and conservative activists.
Much of that support came from voters furious with Gonzales’ role in the Biden-Cornyn gun control deal known as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the largest federal gun control law passed in nearly thirty years.
Grassroots gun rights organizations — including Texas Gun Rights — had been heavily involved in the race, mobilizing gun owners and highlighting Gonzales’ gun control votes.
With Gonzales now out of the race, Herrera enters the general election with strong grassroots momentum.
Paxton Calls the Establishment’s Bluff
But the bigger political shock may be unfolding in the Texas U.S. Senate race.
Attorney General Ken Paxton — widely considered the most outspoken pro-gun attorney general in the country — stunned political observers by offering to drop out of the race against Senator John Cornyn if Senate Republicans abolish the filibuster and pass President Trump’s SAVE Act.
The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, a major priority for President Trump and grassroots conservatives focused on election integrity.
Paxton’s proposal immediately put pressure on Senate Republican leadership — including Majority Leader John Thune and Senator John Cornyn — who have been accused by grassroots conservatives of slow-walking Trump’s agenda.
For weeks, critics have argued that establishment Republicans are holding both the SAVE Act and Trump’s recess appointments hostage in hopes of securing a coveted endorsement from President Trump in the Texas Senate runoff.
Paxton’s offer flips that strategy on its head.
If Senate Republicans truly want to pass Trump’s election integrity legislation, Paxton says he will step aside.
But many observers believe Paxton understands exactly what will happen next.
The establishment won’t do it.
In one move, Paxton has called the establishment’s bluff — daring Cornyn and Senate leadership to prove they actually support Trump’s agenda.
Grassroots vs. the Establishment
The Texas Senate runoff is rapidly becoming a defining battle between grassroots conservatives and the Republican establishment.
Paxton has built a reputation as one of the country’s most aggressive defenders of constitutional rights, repeatedly challenging federal overreach and fighting gun control in court.
His campaign is backed by major grassroots gun rights organizations including:
• Texas Gun Rights
• National Association for Gun Rights
• Gun Owners of America
Notably absent from the race so far is the National Rifle Association, the long-time establishment gun lobby that has yet to weigh in.
For many gun owners, the contrast between the two candidates could not be clearer.
Cornyn has spent decades in Washington and helped negotiate the largest federal gun control bill in nearly thirty years.
Paxton has spent years fighting gun control and defending the Second Amendment in court.
Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt says the developments show that grassroots conservatives are reshaping Texas politics.
“The political establishment thought they could keep compromising away our rights and gun owners would forget,” said McNutt.
The Grassroots Are Winning
With Herrera advancing in CD-23 and Paxton putting Senate leadership on the spot, the pressure inside the Republican Party is only increasing.
Whether it’s gun rights, election integrity, or the fight against the Washington establishment, grassroots conservatives are proving they are no longer willing to accept politicians who compromise once they reach Washington.
The grassroots are winning — and the establishment knows it.
Chip in today to Texas Gun Rights and help elect pro-gun fighters who will defend the Second Amendment without compromise.
