U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, along with the Republican leadership, has requested that Representative Tony Gonzales from San Antonio withdraw from his re-election campaign, which is set for a runoff on May 26 against gun rights advocate Brandon Herrera.
This request follows Gonzales’ recent admission of an affair with an aide who tragically died by self-immolation, a relationship he had previously denied months prior.
In a statement, the GOP leadership conveyed that they had urged the House Ethics Committee, which serves as a congressional oversight body, to “act expeditiously,” noting that Gonzales has pledged to fully cooperate with the investigation. House regulations explicitly forbid members from engaging in sexual relationships or making unwanted sexual advances towards their staff.
“We have encouraged him to confront these serious allegations directly with his constituents and colleagues,” the statement added. “In the meantime, Leadership has requested Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his re-election campaign.”
On Wednesday, shortly after being pushed into a runoff election, Gonzales described the affair as a “mistake” and a “lapse in judgment,” marking his first public acknowledgment of the allegations that surfaced last fall.
“I take full responsibility for those actions,” Gonzales remarked. “Since then, I have reconciled with my wife, Angel. I’ve asked God to forgive me, which he has. And my faith is as strong as ever.”
Attempts to reach Gonzales for immediate comment were unsuccessful.
The affair and the circumstances surrounding the aide’s death have overshadowed the election discussions in the days leading up to Tuesday, following a report from the San Antonio Express News revealing that the staffer had confided in a colleague about the relationship.
Despite the pressure, Gonzales remained resolute in his decision to continue his campaign, even as calls for him to step down escalated among fellow Congress members. On Tuesday, Herrera secured the most votes but did not achieve the necessary majority to bypass the runoff and unseat Gonzales.
After the GOP’s statement, Herrera expressed gratitude to Speaker Johnson and the party leadership.
“I’m looking forward to representing the district the way the people of West Texas have always deserved,” Herrera stated.
The request for Gonzales to exit the race came after Johnson had previously avoided direct answers regarding the scandal, often stating that he preferred the investigative process to unfold without interference.
Importantly, Johnson did not call for Gonzales to resign from his congressional seat. The Republican Party currently holds a slim majority in the House, a situation that could be jeopardized in the upcoming midterm elections.
Following Johnson’s request, Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, expressed his agreement, stating, “Tony should withdraw from the runoff and allow the Ethics process to move forward while focusing on his family and serving his constituents for the remainder of his term.”
