WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday that he continues to support Brandon Herrera, a Republican candidate for Congress in Texas, despite the online gun personality’s history of obscene remarks, Nazi imagery and provocative videos. During an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” host Jake Tapper questioned Johnson about Herrera’s comments targeting mothers and children, his description of a Nazi-era machine gun using an antisemitic phrase, and video showing him goose-stepping to a Nazi marching song. “That’s detestable language,” Johnson said, while arguing that Herrera had apologized and that the remarks reflected his former online persona. Johnson described Herrera as a “podcaster and a provocateur” who had sought attention through controversial content. Herrera has disputed criticism of the videos. After the House Majority PAC shared the goose-stepping footage in March, Herrera responded on social media that he stood by it and considered it funny. Johnson nevertheless called Herrera’s campaign effective and said the 28-year-old candidate would be “far superior” to Democratic opponent Katy Padilla Stout. “This is a contrast election between common sense and crazy,” Johnson said, promising that Herrera would join what he called the Republicans’ “commonsense team.” Herrera, who is known online as the “AK Guy,” has about 4.2 million YouTube subscribers. His channel primarily features firearms-related videos. President Donald Trump has endorsed his candidacy, and Johnson attended a Herrera fundraising event in July. Johnson had previously backed incumbent Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales. Gonzales resigned in March amid sexual misconduct allegations, opening the seat in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. The Cook Political Report currently rates the district as likely Republican. The contest illustrates how party leaders are weighing candidates’ online records against the strategic importance of maintaining a Republican seat. Johnson’s endorsement signals that, despite acknowledging Herrera’s conduct, Republican leaders view the district as favorable enough to continue supporting him.