GOP Candidate Jokes That Dog-Attack Victim Was 'Obviously' At Fault — Resurfaced Clips Draw Criticism

Brandon Herrera, a GOP candidate for Texas' 23rd Congressional District, made a remark that appeared to blame a child who was mauled by a dog during a May 2025 appearance on the Say Hi to Eli podcast. The exchange — which resurfaced amid Herrera's campaign — has prompted renewed scrutiny of his past on-air comments about assault and sexual violence.

Details of the Podcast Exchange

Host Eli Cuevas recounted being mauled by a dog as a child. Herrera responded, "What'd you do?" after which Cuevas suggested he probably cried. Herrera then quipped, "No, what did you do to it? Obviously it was your fault." Cuevas replied, "You should have seen what I was wearing," a phrase often associated with victim‑blaming in sexual‑assault contexts. Herrera laughed and said, "Yeah, exactly. A steak suit," later adding a reference to Lady Gaga's raw beef dress from the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

Context And Past Remarks

The exchange fits a pattern cited in reporting by MeidasTouch: past podcast clips include offhand jokes from Herrera referencing rape and sexual assault, including remarks made while discussing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Those past comments, together with the dog-attack joke, have been circulated online and in media coverage as Herrera campaigns for the 23rd Congressional District.

Reaction And Campaign Impact

Resurfaced audio and transcripts of Herrera's appearances have intensified scrutiny of his public comments and campaign messaging. Critics say the jokes reflect a troubling tendency to make light of assault and to use victim‑blaming language, while supporters may dismiss them as attempts at crude humor. The clips have become part of the broader conversation about Herrera's candidacy and public judgment.

Note: This story was originally published by MeidasTouch on Aug 1, 2026.