BEXAR COUNTY – Residents in far west Bexar County are voicing their opinions on political signs supporting congressional candidate Brandon Herrera, which have sparked controversy for their explicit messages. The signs, featuring quotes from Herrera, refer to him as “The Gospel of Herrera” and include phrases that some find offensive.
Brandon Herrera, a Republican, is campaigning for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, facing off against Democrat Katie Padilla Stout. Among the quotes displayed on the signs is one that states, “Chris Brown your wife,” and another that declares, “Kids are c*m trophies.” The latter quote has circulated on social media since Herrera posted it on his X account earlier this year.
Local residents have reacted to the signs. Bella, a shopper in the area, described the messages as “horrible.” In contrast, Tori Hill expressed indifference, stating, “It’s freedom of speech. Whatever people want to, there’s worse things that people have said.”
Some community members have raised concerns regarding the placement of these signs, particularly near a Montessori school and along Culebra Road, a route used by students of various ages. Chris Hall, a local resident, remarked, “I think that’s very explicit. Just keep it respectful at the end of the day,” while also emphasizing the importance of engaging young voters.
The signs are attributed to a group called Character Counts, which has since distanced itself from them. In an email, the organization stated, “We want to be clear that our organization did not create, authorize, distribute or endorse the yard signs in question. We have been in touch with San Antonio businesses that may be displaying these signs and asked that they be removed.”
Hill has questioned the motivations behind the signs, stating, “I just want to know what their agenda is. Like, what’s the point?”
The Bexar County Elections Department clarified that it cannot enforce regulations on signs located outside a 100-foot zone around polling places. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged anyone who believes a sign is associated with potential criminal activity to report it.
A representative from Padilla Stout’s campaign confirmed that they did not fund the controversial signs. Meanwhile, Herrera’s campaign has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the matter.
