Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) announced his retirement from Congress on April 13, 2026, after acknowledging a romantic relationship with a member of his staff. The admission triggered an ethics investigation and bipartisan calls for his expulsion from the House, accelerating his departure from office.

Gonzales, who represented Texas's 23rd congressional district, had been seen as a moderate Republican voice on immigration and border issues. His retirement announcement came as colleagues on both sides of the aisle signaled support for expulsion proceedings if he did not step down voluntarily.

The affair with a staffer placed Gonzales in potential violation of House ethics rules governing relationships between members and their staff. Congressional ethics guidelines prohibit members from using their position of authority to engage in or pursue personal relationships with employees under their supervision.

Gonzales did not specify a departure date in his retirement announcement, and it remains unclear whether he will serve out the remainder of his term or resign earlier. His seat in the heavily contested Texas 23rd district is expected to draw significant attention in any subsequent special election or the 2026 general election cycle.

The episode is among the more high-profile congressional ethics cases of the current session, drawing coverage across the political spectrum and bipartisan condemnation from House leadership.