Context:

Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas says he will not resign amid allegations of an affair with a senior staffer who later died by suicide, while acknowledging continued investigations and avoiding direct answers about the accusations or explicit texts. He faces mounting GOP pressure and a March 3 primary rematch, with colleagues urging resignation or withdrawal from reelection. House leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, say the accusations are serious and warrant due process. The case is being reviewed by the House ethics committee, and Gonzales has offered that more details will emerge. The situation creates uncertainty for his political future and underscores ongoing tensions within the party as inquiries proceed.

Dive Deeper:

• Gonzales publicly defended his daily service to Texas and rejected immediate resignation, while stating that all facts will be revealed in due time as investigations continue and the truth emerges.

• Reports describe lewd text messages purportedly sent by Gonzales, including a request for a 'sexy pic,' which his camp has not confirmed, and which have intensified calls for accountability from fellow Republicans.

• Johnson and Scalise characterized the allegations as serious and said investigations should unfold, with Johnson stating Gonzales should address constituents directly as the inquiry proceeds.

• The internal House ethics investigation is ongoing, and several GOP lawmakers have publicly pressured Gonzales to step down or not pursue reelection, highlighting a rift within the party over how to handle the case.

• A primary showdown with Brandon Herrera on March 3 is a focal point, marking a potential turning point for Gonzales’s tenure, while a correction notes the last close race with Herrera occurred in 2024 rather than 2025.