
House Republican leaders had called on the three-term Gonzales to not seek reelection.
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Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas said Monday he will retire from Congress amid bipartisan calls to expel him.
Gonzales had already said he would not seek reelection after admitting to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide.
House Republican leaders had called on the three-term Gonzales to not seek reelection.
“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office,” Gonzales said in a post on X. “It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”
In February, the San Antonio Express-News reported that Gonzales had an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, along with text messages showing Gonzales pressed the aide for explicit photos after she pushed back on his overtures. Gonzales admitted to the affair in early March and dropped his reelection bid shortly after.
Gonzales is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for sexual misconduct. Lawmakers are forbidden from engaging in sexual relationships with their employees under House rules.
Last week, a second former campaign employee came forward with text evidence that Gonzales had been sexually inappropriate with her as well.
KENS5 contributed to this report.
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