Texas 23rd District Candidates Clash in Debate

Republican Brandon Herrera and Democrat Katy Padilla Stout clashed in a heated debate over Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, where they are competing for the seat left vacant after Tony Gonzales resigned. Padilla Stout attacked Herrera’s character and cited his provocative online history, including a video filmed in Uvalde County after the Robb Elementary School shooting; she initially misstated that he had filmed at the school and later apologized for the error. The candidates also sparred over border security and guns, while both opposed a physical border wall through Big Bend National Park; Padilla Stout questioned whether Herrera’s support for a technology-based “smart wall” would still bring barriers and infrastructure. On economic and local concerns, Herrera emphasized tax cuts and conservative representation, while Padilla Stout promoted Universal Pre-K and Medicaid expansion; both identified affordability and rural health care as priorities.