YouTube Star vs. DC Swamp: Brandon Herrera’s 2026 Crusade

In this episode, Josie (The Redheaded Libertarian) sits down with Brandon Herrera, “The AK Guy," firearms manufacturer, YouTube creator, and 2026 congressional candidate for Texas’s 23rd district.
They trace Brandon’s journey from a nomadic military childhood and dropping out of pre-law to build one of YouTube’s largest gun channels, with over 4 million subscribers and half a billion views. Brandon opens up about balancing humor and education in an age of censorship, the trials of building his signature AK-50 rifle, and the mission behind The AK Guy Inc.
The conversation then turns to his political run for Congress, where Brandon challenges incumbent Rep. Tony Gonzales amid breaking allegations involving Gonzales’s senior aide, whose tragic death in Uvalde has stirred controversy over transparency and ethics. Brandon shares his candid thoughts on accountability, veteran issues, and restoring integrity to Texas politics, all while keeping his trademark wit intact.
From his time on the Unsubscribe Podcast to his advocacy for liberty, mental health, and the 2nd Amendment, this episode dives deep into the man behind the memes, the rifles, and the movement.