In an increasingly polarized Texas political battleground, star power is emerging as a new strategy for primary candidates seeking an edge. U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales is harnessing the celebrity clout of Matthew McConaughey in the May 28 GOP primary runoff for Texas' 23rd Congressional District. McConaughey, known for his acting career, is lending his voice to robocalls on behalf of Gonzales, reinforcing the latter's reputation for being present "in the good times, but he also shows up in the tough times," as reported by the San Antonio Report.
Gonzales, who gained the actor's support following the Uvalde school tragedy, has fostered a friendship with McConaughey, leading to the latter's activism in gun safety. Their alliance appears to be a calculated contrast to Gonzales' opponent, Brandon Herrera, a firearms manufacturer and YouTube personality touted as "The AK Guy." Herrera, who captured 25% of the primary vote, compared to Gonzales' 45%, is utilizing his niche celebrity from the online gun community to bolster his campaign.
The race has not only attracted Hollywood's gaze but has also become a magnet for social media influencers. While Gonzales enjoys the backing of a mainstream actor, Herrera has enlisted the support of internet celebrities like Eli “Double Tap” Cuevas and Cody “Donut Operator” Garrett. Garrett, with a commanding online following, expressed his unequivocal support for Herrera by stating, "There’s only one person in the world that I would do public speaking for, and it's Brandon Herrera," according to the San Antonio Report.
Adding to the unconventional political endorsements, Kyle Rittenhouse, a divisive figure following the 2020 Wisconsin shootings during a Black Lives Matter protest, has also hit the trail with Herrera. The runoff election is shaping up to be more than just a political contest; it's a reflection of the merging paths of celebrity influence, social media clout, and Texas politics. As the candidates gear up for the final showdown, they continue to cultivate their distinct spheres of support in what’s become a campaign as much about outreach as it is about ideology.
