Tony Gonzales drops re-election bid after pressure from GOP leadership

• The House Ethics Committee formally launched an investigation into Gonzales the morning after his March 3 primary election, which saw him headed to a runoff election.
• His mid-race decision immediately sets off a high-stakes scramble in one of the state's most competitive districts, which stretches from San Antonio to El Paso.

State of play: Gonzales' departure turns the 23rd District into an open-seat battleground overnight without the advantage of a Republican incumbency.

• He was facing Brandon Herrera in the primary runoff.

What he's saying: "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 in my district," said Gonzales, who was first elected to the House in 2020, in a statement posted to X.

• "Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful."

Between the lines: Gonzales was mum on the affair allegations for months before Wednesday, when he called it a "lapse in judgement."

• The staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, died in September 2025.
• The Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide by self-immolation.

What's next: Herrera will face Katy Padilla Stout in November.

• Herrera has not made a public statement as of this write, but has also called on Gonzales to resign.

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.