- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Gonzales Today
By the People, for the People
Top House Republicans Call on Gonzales to End Reelection Bid Over Sex Allegations
Congressman faces ethics probe and possible censure over alleged affair with former staffer who died by suicide
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Top Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives have called on Representative Tony Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid, a day after a congressional ethics panel announced it would investigate allegations that Gonzales had an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide. Gonzales has acknowledged a "mistake" and "lapse in judgment" and has agreed to cooperate fully with the House Ethics Committee probe.
Why it matters
The allegations against Gonzales, a three-term Republican congressman from Texas, come as he faces a primary runoff election in May. The House Republican leadership's call for him to end his reelection campaign highlights the party's efforts to distance itself from the scandal and maintain its majority in the House of Representatives.
The details
The House Ethics Committee said it would investigate whether Gonzales "engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employee in his congressional office and/or discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges." Gonzales is also facing possible legislative action from fellow Republican Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, who filed two measures on Wednesday to censure him and strip him of his committee assignments.
- On March 5, 2026, a congressional ethics panel announced it would investigate the allegations against Gonzales.
- On March 6, 2026, House Republican leaders called on Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid.
The players
Tony Gonzales
A three-term Republican congressman from Texas who is facing allegations of an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide.
Mike Johnson
The House Speaker who, along with other Republican leaders, called on Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid.
Steve Scalise
The House Majority Leader who, along with other Republican leaders, called on Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid.
Tom Emmer
The No. 3 Republican in the House who, along with other Republican leaders, called on Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid.
Lisa McClain
The House Republican Conference Chair who, along with other Republican leaders, called on Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid.
What they’re saying
“Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for reelection.”
— Mike Johnson, Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer, Lisa McClain, House Republican Leaders
“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, and the committee will decide whether to recommend any disciplinary action against him.
The takeaway
The allegations against Gonzales and the House Republican leadership's call for him to withdraw from his reelection bid highlight the party's efforts to maintain its image and distance itself from scandals as it seeks to retain its majority in the House of Representatives.
