Overview
- Rep. Tony Gonzales said he will complete his current term representing Texas’ 23rd District and is not resigning.
- The House Ethics Committee has formed an investigative subcommittee to review allegations of a prohibited relationship with a subordinate and potential special favors, following an Office of Congressional Conduct finding of “substantial reason to believe.”
- Gonzales admitted the affair in a radio interview after previously denying it, shortly after a primary that set a runoff with Brandon Herrera.
- His exit effectively clears the GOP field; under Texas law he must formally withdraw by March 18, after which Herrera would become the nominee and the runoff would be canceled.
- House Republican leaders publicly urged him to leave the race and pressed for a swift inquiry, as published 2024 text messages and the 2025 suicide of former aide Regina Santos-Aviles intensified scrutiny.