Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales Exits 2026 Race Amid Scandal, Opening Door for Gun Influencer ‘The AKGuy’
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), the incumbent representing Texas’s 23rd Congressional District, announced Thursday night that he will not seek re-election in 2026, bowing to intense pressure from Republican leadership following his admission of an extramarital affair with a former staffer who died by suicide.[2][3][5]
“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,” Gonzales said in a statement posted to social media. “Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful. God has a plan for all of us.”[2][3][4]
Pressure Mounts After Affair Admission
Gonzales’ decision came just one day after he publicly confessed to the affair during an interview on “The Joe Pags Show.” The staffer, identified as Regina Santos-Aviles, died by suicide last year, prompting widespread scrutiny and a formal investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics.[3][5][7]
“I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions,” Gonzales said on the show.[3]
House Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), issued a statement urging Gonzales to withdraw from the race. “We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election,” they wrote.[7]
The ethics probe, launched after explicit text messages between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles were published by the San Antonio Express-News, examines allegations of sexual misconduct and unfair favoritism toward a congressional employee.[6][7] Gonzales has pledged full cooperation but maintains he will not resign from his current term.[1][6]
Path Clears for Challenger Brandon Herrera
Gonzales’ exit paves the way for his primary challenger, Brandon Herrera — a gun manufacturer, YouTuber, and self-styled “AKGuy” known for his firearms content and libertarian-leaning views — to emerge as the likely Republican nominee.[2][5]
Herrera, who narrowly lost to Gonzales in the 2024 primary, forced a May 26 runoff in the 2026 Republican primary after neither candidate secured 50% of the vote on Super Tuesday.[5][7] Herrera thanked GOP leadership for pressuring Gonzales to drop out, stating that his actions had “tarnished” the party.[2]
The district, stretching from San Antonio to the U.S.-Mexico border, is a GOP stronghold but has seen competitive races. Democrats now see an opportunity to challenge Herrera, whom they view as more vulnerable due to his provocative online persona and lack of elected experience. Political analysts note Herrera’s strong grassroots support among gun rights advocates but potential weaknesses in broader voter appeal.[5]
“His departure from the race paves the way for former GOP candidate Brandon Herrera to become the nominee and likely new congressman for Texas’s 23rd district.”[2]
Broader GOP Fallout and Ethics Scrutiny
The scandal has divided Texas Republicans. While leaders stopped short of demanding Gonzales’ immediate resignation — citing the need for due process — figures like Reps. Chip Roy (R-Austin) and Brandon Gill (R-Flower Mound) called for him to exit the race.[6] President Donald Trump and top House leadership had previously endorsed Gonzales, but those supports appear strained.[6]
Earlier reports from February indicated Gonzales was defiant, telling CNN he would not resign despite the texts and public backlash.[1][6] However, mounting pressure from the ethics committee and party elders proved decisive.
University of Texas at San Antonio political science professor John Taylor highlighted the distinction: GOP leaders sought withdrawal from the race, not resignation, to avoid disrupting the House balance.[4]
Democratic Hopes in a Red District
Democrats, who have struggled in the district, are energized by the GOP infighting. Gonzales, a moderate on some issues like bipartisan border security, had defended his seat against far-right challengers. Herrera’s rise could shift the district rightward, potentially alienating swing voters.[5]
“Gonzales’ actions are unacceptable,” one critic told reporters, calling for him to relinquish leadership roles.[4] With Gonzales serving out his term amid the ethics cloud, all eyes turn to the general election matchup.
The drama underscores ongoing tensions within the Republican Party between establishment figures and populist influencers like Herrera, whose YouTube channel boasts millions of views on gun reviews and Second Amendment advocacy.
What’s Next for Texas’s 23rd?
Herrera’s nomination is not guaranteed; a primary runoff winner would still face a Democratic opponent in November. But with Gonzales out, the seat — once a target for both parties — now tilts heavily toward the GOP’s firebrand wing.
Gonzales, first elected in 2022, leaves a district known for its diverse electorate, including Latino voters along the border. His departure marks a pivotal moment ahead of the 2026 midterms.
This story is developing. Additional details from the ethics investigation may emerge as it progresses.