When Brandon Herrera, a gun shop owner and YouTuber, first ran for Congress in 2024, he was heavily criticized by key Jewish and pro-Israel groups, including the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), which branded him a “goose-stepping extremist.” Despite their previous opposition, these groups are now noticeably silent as Herrera becomes the presumptive Republican nominee in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District after a scandal ousted his primary opponent.

Herrera has been a contentious figure, known for past videos where he mimicked Nazi marches and joked about the Holocaust, drawing widespread condemnation. His opponent in 2024, Rep. Tony Gonzales, even labeled him a “known neo-Nazi,” a claim Herrera has always denied. In response to these controversies, groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the RJC spent large sums to derail his campaign two years ago.

However, with the recent dropout of Gonzales due to a scandal, Herrera emerged as the top choice for the GOP in a district that President Trump won by a significant margin. The shift in the GOP’s stance was evident at a recent Mar-a-Lago fundraiser where Herrera received a warm reception and an endorsement from Trump himself, positioning him as a prominent “America First” leader.

While the GOP establishment seems to be aligning with Herrera, pro-Israel and Jewish groups are stepping back. AIPAC has opted not to endorse anyone in the race currently, focusing instead on reassessing candidates' positions on U.S.-Israel relations. Similarly, the RJC stated that although they oppose Herrera's ideology, they will not support the Democratic opponent, sticking to their policy of only backing Republican candidates.

The decision by these groups to potentially sit out this race reflects the complex dynamics at play. Gabriel Groisman, a Florida-based GOP donor active in pro-Israel circles, expressed a conflicted sentiment among Jewish Republican donors, caught between supporting a candidate with troubling past statements and a Democrat.

Herrera, for his part, has criticized the campaign spending against him as prioritizing foreign interests over American ones, and has been vocal about his stance on not using U.S. funds for foreign military aid, including to Israel.

As the general election approaches, Herrera’s campaign is actively trying to amend his image, highlighting his role as a historical firearms educator and arguing that his past social media activity has been misconstrued. Meanwhile, his Democratic opponent, Katie Padilla Stout, is leveraging allegations of antisemitism in her campaign, gaining traction across the district, including support from the Jewish community.

The unfolding situation in Texas’ 23rd district is a litmus test for the GOP, challenging its principles against the backdrop of political expediency. It also poses a significant question for Jewish and pro-Israel groups about engagement in political battles where their traditional allies may not align perfectly with their values.