A Texas congressional candidate who has produced YouTube videos featuring Nazi imagery and used sexually explicit, derogatory language about mothers and children has postponed a planned Friday appearance at the University of Utah.
Brandon Herrera, a YouTuber with more than 4 million subscribers known as “The AK Guy,” was to headline an event sponsored by the Utah Federation of College Republicans. Chairman Riley Beesely said Monday that Herrera’s availability had changed and the event was postponed until further notice.
Herrera has repeatedly made vulgar, sexually explicit statements about women and children. In one video, he called a Nazi-era machine gun the “original ghetto blaster.” In another, he goose-steps to a Nazi marching song.
GOP candidate Brandon Herrera on moms advocating politically:
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 17, 2026
“Just because you let somebody creampie you doesn’t mean I have to give a shit about your political opinions.
The fact that you kept your cum trophy doesn’t make you any less wrong about the dumb shit they you say.” pic.twitter.com/NmnnXT5jnp
🚨🚨🚨
— House Majority PAC (@HouseMajPAC) March 5, 2026
Video shows Mike Johnson's candidate in #TX23 Brandon Herrera goose-stepping to Nazi marching song “Erika” https://t.co/XMxj2X9BCp pic.twitter.com/4y2Ceaj6nG
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Herrera on Sunday, saying he has apologized for his past comments.
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It’s unclear why the group invited Herrera to speak on campus. Beesely did not respond to questions from Utah Political Watch.
Herrera became the GOP nominee after incumbent Republican Tony Gonzales announced he would not run for another term and later resigned from Congress amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson was also scheduled to speak at the event. Beesley said the group will instead host YouTuber Nick Shirley on November 21.
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UCFR has drawn scrutiny before. In March, Vice Chair Kai Schwemmer attracted outrage for his ties to the far-right "groyper" movement and white nationalist Nick Fuentes after he was named political director for the College Republicans of America. Schwemmer made racist, antisemitic, homophobic and sexist statements during livestream broadcasts.
In June, Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson appointed Schwemmer as chief deputy clerk, tasked with outreach to first-time voters. The appointment drew backlash over his lack of experience and past remarks. Davidson later demoted him to confidential administrative associate, a role with no oversight of elections.
