Tony Gonzales: podcast appearances and interviews

Ernest Anthony Gonzales II, born on October 10, 1980, is an American politician and a veteran of the United States Navy. He served as the U.S. representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district from 2021 until his resignation in April 2026. Gonzales is a member of the Republican Party and is characterized as a moderate Republican. In 2023, he was censured by the Texas Republican Party for voting in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. He was also one of 18 Republicans to vote against Jim Jordan's nomination for Speaker of the House on all three occasions and was the only Republican to oppose the subsequent House rules package. These voting records led to primary challenges in 2024, including from YouTuber Brandon Herrera, who succeeded in forcing a runoff election by securing less than 50 percent of the vote; Gonzales ultimately won the runoff with 50.7 percent. In 2026, Gonzales initially sought re-election but faced and denied allegations of a sexual affair with a staffer; the staffer later died by self-immolation. After failing to secure more than 50 percent in the primary held on March 3, 2026, Gonzales admitted to the affair, which led to his dropping out of the race. The following day, he announced his resignation from Congress, leaving office on April 14, 2026.