Texas Rep. Gonzales drops reelection bid after affair scandal

Gonzales will serve out remainder of term after GOP leaders called for his withdrawal

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) has dropped his reelection bid after coming under pressure from Republican leaders and colleagues over an admitted affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. Gonzales said he will serve out the remainder of his term but will not seek re-election.

Why it matters

The scandal surrounding Gonzales' affair with a staffer has led to calls for his withdrawal from the race, highlighting the ethical standards expected of elected officials and the potential consequences of violating those standards.

The details

Gonzales admitted to the affair in an interview, saying he "made a mistake" and had a "lapse in judgement." The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into whether Gonzales violated the House's code of conduct, which prohibits sexual relationships between members and staff. Gonzales' decision not to seek re-election means his challenger, Brandon Herrera, will be the Republican nominee for Texas's 23rd Congressional district.

  • On Thursday, Gonzales announced he would not seek re-election.
  • Earlier on Thursday, the top four House GOP leaders called on Gonzales to withdraw from the race.
  • The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Gonzales on Wednesday, the day after his primary election.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican Congressman from Texas's 23rd district who has decided to drop his reelection bid after admitting to an affair with a staffer.

Brandon Herrera

A YouTuber and firearms manufacturer who is now the Republican nominee for Texas's 23rd Congressional district after Gonzales withdrew from the race.

Mike Johnson

The Republican Speaker of the House who led the call for Gonzales to withdraw from the race.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had in my district.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee will continue its investigation into the allegations against Gonzales.

The takeaway

This scandal highlights the importance of elected officials upholding high ethical standards and the consequences they can face when those standards are violated, even among members of the same party.