GOP Leaders Urge Texas Rep. Gonzales to Drop Reelection Bid

Gonzales admitted to affair with former staffer who later died by suicide

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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House Republican leaders have called on Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas to end his campaign for reelection following a scandal over his affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide. The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Gonzales's conduct, and GOP leadership has urged him to address the "very serious allegations" directly with his constituents and colleagues.

Why it matters

This scandal raises serious questions about Gonzales's conduct and judgment, which could impact his ability to effectively represent his constituents. The death of the former staffer also adds tragic personal circumstances to the situation.

The details

Gonzales, a Republican representing Texas's 23rd congressional district, admitted on Wednesday that he had a relationship with a former staffer. House GOP leadership subsequently released a statement calling on Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection campaign, citing the Ethics Committee investigation into his conduct.

  • On March 5, 2026, House GOP leadership called on Rep. Tony Gonzales to end his reelection campaign.
  • On March 4, 2026, Gonzales admitted to having a relationship with a former staffer.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Texas's 23rd congressional district.

House GOP Leadership

The Republican leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives.

House Ethics Committee

The committee responsible for investigating potential ethics violations by members of the House of Representatives.

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What they’re saying

“The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzales's conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously. Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election.”

— House GOP Leadership (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee will continue its investigation into Rep. Gonzales's conduct, and Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate.

The takeaway

This scandal highlights the importance of elected officials maintaining high ethical standards and being accountable to their constituents. The tragic circumstances surrounding the former staffer's death also underscore the need for greater support and protections for congressional staff.