Gonzales Draws Heat Over Calling Gaetz, Good 'Scumbags'

Poised to take the Senate in November, Republicans face infighting in the House. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) faces being ousted, and Republican control of the House continues to dwindle. Tension has now increased as Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales (R) faces criticism over calling some of his colleagues "scumbags."

During an interview with CNN, Rep. Gonzales drew friendly fire for directing criticism at House members Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) and Virginia Rep. Bob Good (R).

"It's my absolute honor to be in Congress, but I serve with some real scumbags," Rep. Gonzales said. "Matt Gaetz, he paid minors to have sex with him at drug parties. Bob Good endorsed my opponent, a known neo-Nazi. These people used to walk around with white hoods at night. Now they're walking around with white hoods in the daytime."

Rep. Gaetz, who has denied the accusations, was also called out earlier this month by California Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R), who was ousted as Speaker of the House through an effort led by Rep. Gaetz.

Rep. McCarthy said the "truth" about his ousting stemmed from "one person, a member of Congress, wanted me to stop an ethics complaint because he slept with a 17-year-old, an ethics complaint that started before I ever became speaker."

In response to Rep. Gonzales' comments, Rep. Gaetz dubbed him "Turncoat Tony" as well as accusing him of being a Republican in name only (RINO) due to his voting record.

Both Rep. Gaetz and Rep. Good have endorsed Rep. Gonzales' primary challenger, Brandon Herrera, a gun rights activist.

Rep. Good shared his thoughts about the Texas Republican on X, writing that "it is not surprising that one of the most liberal RINOs in Congress, who has egregiously fought real border security, and votes like a Democrat, would resort to the Dem playbook in screaming 'racism.'"

“Thankfully, the people of the Texas 23rd District can vote for change and an America first patriot, in Brandon Herrera.”