Texas Republican Representative Gonzales to not seek re-election

Gonzales cites personal reasons after ethics probe announced

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, has announced he will not seek re-election after a congressional ethics panel said it would investigate allegations he had an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide.

Why it matters

Gonzales' decision not to run again comes amid an ethics probe, which could have significant implications for the Republican party's control of the House of Representatives in the next election cycle.

The details

In a post on X, Gonzales said he made the decision after deep reflection and with the support of his family, stating he will continue to serve out the rest of his current term with the same commitment to his district.

  • On March 5, 2026, Gonzales announced he would not seek re-election.
  • A day prior, on March 4, 2026, a congressional ethics panel said it would investigate allegations against Gonzales.

The players

Tony Gonzales

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas who has decided not to seek re-election.

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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 to my district.”

— Tony Gonzales, U.S. Representative (X)

What’s next

The congressional ethics panel will continue its investigation into the allegations against Gonzales, which could impact the Republican party's control of the House in the next election.

The takeaway

Gonzales' decision not to run again highlights the potential consequences of ethics probes for lawmakers, as they navigate personal and professional challenges while serving their constituents.