A South Texas Republican once considered politically secure is now headed to a high-stakes runoff after failing to lock down his party’s nomination outright.
According to Fox News, Rep. Tony Gonzales did not secure more than 50% of the vote in Tuesday’s four-way Republican primary in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, forcing a one-on-one showdown in May.
The result comes after weeks of controversy surrounding allegations that Gonzales had an affair with a staffer in his Uvalde office.
The staffer later died by suicide in September 2025 after setting herself on fire near her home.
Gonzales, a married father of six, has denied wrongdoing and accused the woman’s husband of attempting to blackmail him.
“During my six years in Congress, not a single formal complaint has been levied against my office. Now days away from an election, coordinated political attacks reign in. IT WON’T WORK. Halfway through early voting and the intensity resides w/ TG voters. I’d rather be us than them,” Gonzales posted on X in late February.
Despite his public defense, the allegations have stirred backlash within his own party. Several House Republicans have called on him to resign, though Gonzales has rejected those demands.
He now faces firearms activist and social media personality Brandon Herrera in the runoff. Herrera, who narrowly lost to Gonzales in 2024 by fewer than 400 votes, is backed by the House Freedom Caucus’ campaign arm.
Some Republicans have made clear they would prefer voters settle the matter at the ballot box.
Rep. Eli Crane said, “I think it’s pretty unbecoming, any individual in power engaging in activities like that with their staff. And, you know, I endorsed his opponent last Congress, I’ve endorsed his opponent this Congress.”
He added Gonzales deserved “due process” but criticized what he described as “despicable behavior.”
Rep. Mark Harris called the allegations “extremely concerning” and said, “I think that this is in the hands of the voters in that district right now.”
Rep. Nancy Mace has called for Gonzales to resign and is pushing for a vote requiring the House Ethics Committee to disclose information on lawmakers accused of sexually harassing staff.
Still, others have warned against forcing Gonzales out while Republicans hold a razor-thin majority in the House.
Retiring Rep. Troy Nehls acknowledged, “He’s got a problem here, don’t get me wrong. The optics are horrible.”
“But I would in no way ever resign right now,” Nehls said. “Accusations aren’t enough. If he does that, you’ve got to give the gavel to [House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.].”
Voters in Texas’ 23rd District will now decide the GOP nominee in the upcoming runoff.
