History of Tony Gonzales in Timeline

Tony Gonzales is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district since 2021. A Republican and U.S. Navy veteran, his district encompasses a significant portion (over 800 miles) of the U.S.-Mexico border. His political career is relatively recent, with his election to the House marking his entry into national politics.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Controversies & Scandals

October 10, 1980: Birth of Tony Gonzales

On October 10, 1980, Ernest Anthony Gonzales II was born. He is an American politician and United States Navy veteran.

1999: Joined the United States Navy

In 1999, Tony Gonzales began his service in the United States Navy, where he served until 2019.

2019: Retired from the United States Navy

In 2019, Tony Gonzales retired from the United States Navy with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer after serving since 1999.

2020: Ran for Texas's 23rd congressional district

In 2020, Tony Gonzales ran for Texas's 23rd congressional district. He won the Republican primary and then defeated Democratic nominee Gina Ortiz Jones in the November general election.

January 3, 2021: Began term in office

On January 3, 2021, Tony Gonzales's term in office as the U.S. representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district began.

January 6, 2021: Voted against impeaching Trump

Following the events of January 6, 2021, Tony Gonzales voted against impeaching Trump, stating that the nation needed to heal.

May 19, 2021: Voted to approve legislation to establish the January 6 commission

On May 19, 2021, Tony Gonzales was one of 35 Republicans to join all Democrats in voting to approve legislation to establish the January 6 commission.

November 5, 2021: Voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

On November 5, 2021, Tony Gonzales voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aligning with most House Republicans.

November 6, 2021: Published press release about infrastructure bill vote

On November 6, 2021, Tony Gonzales published a press release explaining his vote against the infrastructure bill, stating it would lead to more spending for the Democrats.

November 15, 2021: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Signed into law

On November 15, 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Gonzales voted against, was signed into law by President Joe Biden.

2021: Became U.S. Representative

In 2021, Tony Gonzales became the U.S. representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district, which represents over 800 miles (1,300 km) of the U.S.-Mexico border.

2021: Co-sponsored the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

In 2021, Tony Gonzales co-sponsored the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2021 (H.R. 18), aiming to codify the Hyde Amendment.

2021: Supported amending the National Defense Authorization Act

In 2021, Tony Gonzales supported amending the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act to remove a proposed red flag law provision, arguing it infringed on Second Amendment rights.

2021: Voted against the American Rescue Plan Act

In 2021, Tony Gonzales voted against the American Rescue Plan Act, aligning with all other Senate and House Republicans.

January 24, 2022: Took credit for the bill's investment

On January 24, 2022, Tony Gonzales published a press release on his official government website, attempting to take credit for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's $75 million investment in the San Antonio River Authorities West Side Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project.

July 19, 2022: Voted for the Respect for Marriage Act

On July 19, 2022, Tony Gonzales and 46 other House Republicans voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act.

December 13, 2022: Respect for Marriage Act signed into law

On December 13, 2022, the Respect for Marriage Act, which Gonzales voted for, was signed into law by President Biden.

2022: Illegal Immigration and Asylum Fraud

In 2022, Tony Gonzales argued that the Remain in Mexico policy had been effective and called for an increase in immigration judges and the expansion of work visas.

2022: Supported The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, Tony Gonzales supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the Respect for Marriage Act, which led to censure from the Texas Republican Party on March 4, 2023

2022: Re-election in 2022

In 2022, Tony Gonzales won his primary with 78% of the vote and the general election with 55.87% against Democrat John Lira and Independent candidate Frank Lopez Jr.

March 4, 2023: Censured by the Texas Republican Party

On March 4, 2023, the Texas Republican Party's executive committee censured Tony Gonzales for not voting in line with the party positions.

2023: Voted to support Israel following Hamas attack

In 2023, Tony Gonzales voted to support Israel following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

2023: Voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act

In 2023, Tony Gonzales was among 71 Republicans who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act in the House.

2023: Opposed the Border Safety and Security Act

In 2023, Tony Gonzales was the only Texas Republican in the House to oppose the Border Safety and Security Act of 2023. This led to a censure from the Texas Republican Party.

April 2024: Gonzales blasts primary challenger

In April 2024, Tony Gonzales blasted his primary challenger Brandon Herrera, calling him a "neo-Nazi" and an "anarchist" during an appearance on CNN's State of the Union.

May 29, 2024: Santos-Aviles confesses to affair

On May 29, 2024, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles confessed to her husband, Adrian Aviles, about her affair with Tony Gonzales.

June 13, 2024: Sole Republican to vote against amendment

On June 13, 2024, Tony Gonzales was the sole Republican who voted against an amendment prohibiting Tricare and the Department of Defense from covering gender transition surgeries and hormone treatments for transgender individuals.

2024: Primary challengers and runoff election win

In 2024, Tony Gonzales faced several conservative primary challengers, including YouTuber Brandon Herrera, which forced a runoff after Gonzales received less than 50% of the vote. Gonzales won the runoff election with 50.7% of the vote.

2024: Re-elected to third term

In 2024, Tony Gonzales was reelected to a third term. Establishment-allied super PACs spent over $4 million in TV advertising to support Gonzales' victory over his primary challenger Brandon Herrera.

April 2025: Santos-Aviles texts about affair

In text messages from April 2025, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles wrote that she had an affair with Tony Gonzales in 2024.

September 13, 2025: Santos-Aviles self-immolates

On September 13, 2025, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles poured gasoline on herself and self-immolated outside her home in Uvalde.

September 25, 2025: Santos-Aviles's funeral

On September 25, 2025, the funeral of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles was held; Tony Gonzales did not attend.

November 2025: Santos-Aviles's death ruled as suicide

In November 2025, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles's death was ruled a suicide by the Bexar County medical examiner.

February 2026: San Antonio Express-News publishes text messages

In February 2026, the San Antonio Express-News published text messages allegedly from Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, a political aide to Rep. Gonzales, to another staffer.

2026: Calls for Gonzales's resignation

In 2026, following the publishing of text messages alleging an affair, several conservatives called on Tony Gonzales to resign, and the San Antonio Express-News revoked their endorsement. The White House declined to comment.