Republican Leaders Call for Rep. Gonzales to End Reelection Bid

Gonzales faces ethics probe over alleged affair with former aide who died by suicide

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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House Republican leadership is urging Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, to drop his reelection campaign after he admitted to having an affair with a former staffer. The Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into the allegations, and GOP leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, are calling on Gonzales to withdraw from the race.

Why it matters

The allegations against Gonzales, including that the affair was with a former aide who later died by suicide, have rocked his reelection campaign. Republican leaders are taking the rare step of publicly calling for a sitting member of Congress to end their campaign, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

The details

Gonzales is facing a runoff election against pro-gun activist Brandon Herrera after neither candidate won a majority in the primary. Gonzales had been hoping an endorsement from former President Donald Trump could help him secure reelection, but the affair allegations have upended his campaign in the final weeks. The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Gonzales' conduct, and GOP leaders are urging him to cooperate fully and withdraw from the race.

  • On March 5, 2026, House Republican leadership called for Rep. Tony Gonzales to drop his reelection bid.
  • The Ethics Committee announced an investigation into Gonzales' conduct on an unspecified date.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman from Texas who is facing an ethics investigation and calls to withdraw from his reelection campaign after admitting to an affair with a former staffer.

Mike Johnson

The House Speaker and a member of the Republican leadership calling for Gonzales to end his reelection bid.

Steve Scalise

The House Majority Leader and a member of the Republican leadership calling for Gonzales to end his reelection bid.

Steve Emmer

The House Majority Whip and a member of the Republican leadership calling for Gonzales to end his reelection bid.

Lisa McClain

The House Republican Conference Chairwoman and a member of the Republican leadership calling for Gonzales to end his reelection bid.

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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 Republican Leadership (NBC News)

“I welcome the opportunity to present all the facts to the committee.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (NBC News)

“I appreciate the opportunity to be able to provide all the facts and all the details that lead to exactly what occurred in the entire situation.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (The Joe Pags radio show)

What’s next

The Ethics Committee is expected to act quickly on the investigation into Rep. Gonzales' conduct, and the outcome could determine whether he is able to continue his reelection campaign.

The takeaway

The calls for Rep. Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid highlight the seriousness of the allegations against him and the willingness of Republican leadership to take action against one of their own when ethical violations are alleged. This case underscores the importance of accountability in Congress, even for those in positions of power.