WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, is headed to a Republican primary runoff after failing to secure a majority in the state’s closely watched 23rd Congressional District contest, according to election projections.
The runoff sets up a one-on-one rematch against gun rights activist Brandon Herrera, who previously pushed Gonzales to a narrow victory in 2024. This time, the race has been overshadowed by renewed allegations that Gonzales had an affair with a former congressional staffer who died by suicide last year.
Allegations Resurface During Campaign
Throughout the campaign, Herrera repeatedly attacked Gonzales over claims that he had an inappropriate relationship with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles. Gonzales has previously denied having an affair.
The controversy intensified after Santos-Aviles’ widower publicly accused Gonzales and alleged misconduct. Media outlets reported that Gonzales had sent sexual text messages to Santos-Aviles. The congressman has not publicly addressed the specific claims since they resurfaced, and his office has not provided further comment.
Instead, Gonzales has characterized the accusations as politically motivated and accused Herrera of amplifying them for electoral gain. He has also alleged that Santos-Aviles’ widower and his attorney attempted to blackmail him — claims they deny.
Ethics Investigation Near Completion
Two sources familiar with the matter have said that the Office of Congressional Conduct concluded its investigation into the alleged relationship. However, House rules reportedly prevented the office from forwarding its findings to the House Ethics Committee in the immediate run-up to the election.
No public report has yet been released.
The pending ethics review has added another layer of uncertainty to Gonzales’ reelection bid, raising questions about how the findings — if disclosed — could influence the runoff.
A Divisive Record in a Conservative District
Gonzales, a former Navy officer first elected in 2020, represents Texas’ sprawling 23rd Congressional District, which stretches roughly 800 miles along the U.S.-Mexico border.
During his tenure, Gonzales has broken with his party on several high-profile votes. He supported bipartisan gun safety legislation following the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, located within his district. He also backed an independent investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and voted in favor of legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriages.
Those positions drew criticism from the Texas Republican Party and conservative activists, including Herrera, who has argued that Gonzales’ voting record does not align with the district’s Republican base.
Despite receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump, Gonzales was unable to avoid a runoff — signaling potential vulnerability among GOP primary voters.
What Comes Next
Under Texas election rules, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote to win a primary outright. With neither Gonzales nor Herrera crossing that threshold, the contest now moves to a runoff that will determine the Republican nominee.
The district remains a key battleground along the southern border, and the outcome of the GOP runoff will likely shape one of the most closely watched House races of the 2026 election cycle.
