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Rep. Gonzales Exits Race Amid Scandal, Opens Door for Herrera

3/8/2026

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Gonzales Exits Race

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) will not seek re-election after pressure from GOP leadership following an affair with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide.
Gonzales faced an ethics investigation, and House Speaker Mike Johnson urged him to address the matter directly with constituents.
His decision clears the way for Brandon Herrera, a pro-gun activist, to become the Republican nominee for Texas' 23rd Congressional District in the May runoff.

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Talarico Triumphs Primary

James Talarico, a Texas Democrat, won the U.S. Senate Democratic primary, defeating Jasmine Crockett.
He drew significant support from Latinx voters.
Turnout was historic, with Democrats outpacing Republicans for the first time since 2020.
Polling-location changes by the GOP sparked chaos and accusations of voter suppression.
Talarico must unite a racially divided electorate for a general election against Ken Paxton or John Cornyn, both in a May runoff.

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Gonzales Exits Race

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) will not seek re-election after pressure from GOP leadership following an affair with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide.
Gonzales faced an ethics investigation, and House Speaker Mike Johnson urged him to address the matter directly with constituents.
His decision clears the way for Brandon Herrera, a pro-gun activist, to become the Republican nominee for Texas' 23rd Congressional District in the May runoff.

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