Rep. Tony Gonzales’s (R-TX) time in Congress has come to an end as the embattled lawmaker has announced that he is no longer running for re-election.
After failing to secure the Republican nomination in the March 3, 2026, primary election, the incumbent Republican was facing a May 26 runoff against challenger Brandon Herrera. Rep. Gonzales also faced a U.S. House Ethics Committee investigation following allegations that he had a relationship with staffer Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who passed away from suicide last year.
In a statement, the Texas Republican announced that he was suspending his re-election campaign, which confirms that Herrera, or the “AK Guy,” will be the Republican nominee for Texas U.S. House District 23.
“At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. During my 20 years in the military and three terms in Congress, I have fought for that cause with absolute dedication to the country that I love,” Rep. Gonzales said in a statement.
“From overcoming the border crisis to taking a stand with my communities after the worst school shotting in Texas’ history, my philosophy has never changed: do as much as you can, and always fight for the greater good,” he added.
The announcement comes after mounting pressure for him to resign, which culminated in House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) calling on Rep. Gonzales to suspend his re-election bid.
"After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I’ve always had to my district,” he shared. “Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful.”
Herrera enters the general election with endorsements from Congressional members like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ).
Responding to Rep. Gonzales's announcement, Herrera called it "the appropriate decision."
I appreciate Tony Gonzales for making the appropriate decision.
I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves. From the border, to oil theft, water rights, data centers, and many other issues.
It’s an honor to be chosen and together we will make Texas… https://t.co/oJMXtmwHSq
— Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) March 6, 2026
"I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves," Herrera wrote on X. "From the border, to oil theft, water rights, data centers, and many other issues."
Democrat Katy Padilla Stout claimed the nomination on March 3, 2026, to turn the seat blue.
While the seat has been occupied by a Republican, it is considered a competitive “swing” district.
