GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales Drops Reelection Bid After Admitting Affair With Staffer

Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas ended his reelection campaign Thursday after House GOP leaders pressured him to withdraw following his admission of an affair with a former staff member -- a violation of the chamber's conduct rules that made his continued candidacy untenable. Gonzales' departure opens a competitive race in a border district that has been central to the national immigration debate, with both parties likely to see the seat as a bellwether for 2026 midterm messaging. The swift collapse of Gonzales' political career -- from confession to withdrawal in a matter of days -- reflects the post-#MeToo reality that workplace affairs involving power imbalances now carry career-ending political consequences.