Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales to Retire from Congress

Gonzales cites personal reasons amid threat of expulsion over affair with aide who died by suicide

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:29am

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A dimly lit, cinematic government office space with a lone chair and desk, the warm sunlight casting long shadows across the floor, evoking a sense of political transition and personal reflection.The resignation of a prominent Republican Congressman amid personal scandal leaves an open seat and raises questions about the party's future direction.Gonzales Today

Representative Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, announced on Monday that he will be retiring from Congress on Tuesday. Gonzales cited personal reasons for his decision, which comes amid a threat of expulsion over his admitted affair with a former aide who later died by suicide.

Why it matters

Gonzales' resignation adds to the ongoing turmoil in the Republican party, as the party faces internal divisions and scandals. His departure also leaves an open seat in a key swing district in Texas that could impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

The details

Gonzales, who has represented Texas's 23rd congressional district since 2021, said he will file paperwork to retire from office on Tuesday. The announcement comes after Gonzales admitted to having an affair with a former aide, who later died by suicide. This revelation led to calls for his expulsion from Congress.

  • Gonzales has represented Texas's 23rd congressional district since 2021.
  • On Monday, Gonzales announced he will retire from Congress on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Tony Gonzales

A Republican Congressman representing Texas's 23rd district who is retiring amid a scandal over an affair with a former aide.

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What they’re saying

“I am stepping down from Congress to focus on my family and personal matters. This was a difficult decision, but I believe it is the right thing to do.”

— Tony Gonzales, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The Republican party will need to select a new candidate to run in the special election for Texas's 23rd congressional district.

The takeaway

Gonzales' resignation highlights the ongoing challenges facing the Republican party, as it grapples with internal scandals and divisions that could impact the balance of power in Congress.