In a decisive show of support, Brandon Gill clinched the Republican primary for North Texas' House District 26, securing his spot on the November ballot without the need for a runoff. With a formidable lead of 58% of the vote, Gill thanked his high-profile endorsers, former President Donald Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, for their support in propelling him ahead of a packed field of 11 candidates, as reported by WFAA.
The race for the seat, long held by Rep. Michael Burgess since 2003, has been a magnet for big-money donations and big-name endorsements. Burgess's upcoming departure from office created a hotly-contested scramble for the Republican mantle in the safe GOP district, encompassing parts of Denton, Tarrant, Wise, and Cooke Counties. Gill's victory sets him up against presumptive Democratic nominee Ernest Linberger III this fall.
Brandon Gill, who is also the son-in-law of conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza, was involved in making the film "2000 Mules" with his father-in-law, a film that has faced scrutiny and criticism for its claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election. According to the Star-Telegram, Reuters Fact Check and The Associated Press have both pointed out significant issues with the film's claims. Despite this controversy, Gill's campaign amassed substantial funding, with nearly $697 in receipts and more than $390 in disbursements, per Federal Election Commission records.
Not far behind in fundraising but lagging in votes, Scott Armey and Southlake Mayor John Huffman garnered around 15% and 10% of the primary vote, respectively. Huffman, endorsed by former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, raised about $387,000 and spent nearly $317,000, signaling a robust campaign against Gill's. However, it was Gill's message of change and "America First" values that resonated most strongly with the district's conservatives, aligning with their wishes for a secure border and restrained government spending. "Conservatives of North Texas demand change in Washington," Gill stated. "I want to thank them for entrusting me with their vote. This campaign wasn’t about me, it was about the people of our great district who want to send a true conservative to Congress that will fight alongside President Trump," Gill said in a written statement obtained by the Star-Telegram.
