Gonzales steps aside, leaving Herrera as GOP House nominee

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales

Last Thursday, March 5, two days after the Republican primary election, U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (TX-23) sent out a press release, stating that he would no longer be seeking reelection to a fourth term in office.

Rep. Gonzales issued the following statement:

“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.

“From overcoming the border crisis to taking a stand with my communities after the worst school shooting in Texas’ history, my philosophy has never changed: do as much as you can, and always fight for the greater good.

“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.

“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,” said Rep. Gonzales.

After the primary, the three-term congressman trailed challenger Brandon Herrera district-wide, by the narrow margin of 23,857 to 22,979. With two other challengers in the race earning approximatly 8,000 total votes, the percentages were 43.3% for Herrera and 41.7% for Gonzales, necessitating a runoff on May 26.

With the incumbent no longer in the race, Herrera will now be the Republican party nominee for the 2026 Midterm election, and will face Democrat nominee Katy Padilla Stout in November.

An attempt by the Anvil Herald to contact the congressman’s office for additional comment received no response.

Rep. Gonzales will serve out the rest of his term in office, which expires at the end of December.