Rep. Tony Gonzales Refuses to Resign After CNN Reveals Alleged Texts

Feb 24, 2026

Republican rails against his party's hardliners: 'These fringe people think as if they have the high ground, they do not'

Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales says he will not resign after CNN reported allegations that he had an affair with a senior staffer. The report comes just days before his March 3 primary rematch.

According to CNN, Gonzales declined to confirm whether he had a relationship with the staffer or whether explicit text messages attributed to him were authentic. The outlet reported the staffer later died by suicide.

CNN cited messages allegedly sent by Gonzales asking for “a sexy pic.” Gonzales previously told CNN he was “being blackmailed” but did not elaborate further when pressed.

The controversy widened after House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the matter is under internal House ethics review. Several Republican lawmakers — including Reps. Anna Paulina Luna, Thomas Massie, and Tim Burchett — have publicly called for Gonzales to resign.

“There are serious accusations, and it must be taken seriously,” Johnson told CNN.

The timing places pressure on Gonzales as he seeks renomination in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. His challenger, Brandon Herrera, previously forced him into a runoff during the last election cycle.

Ethics investigations in the House can take months, and leadership has not provided a timeline for findings. Gonzales has not announced any change to his campaign schedule.

For now, he remains in office and on the ballot.

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