Trump faces huge loss in Texas as even MAGA Republicans call for his pick to drop out

President Donald Trump’s preferred candidate in a key Texas congressional race is facing increased calls from prominent political and media to drop out of the race. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) is fighting for political survival after the candidate’s late staffer was revealed by the San Antonio Express-News to have once texted, “I had an affair with our boss and I’m fine.” The staffer in question later committed suicide.

“@RepTonyGonzales, RESIGN!” Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) declared on the social media platform X.

"Seems pretty clear at this point that if Trump suffers a political loss next Tuesday, it’ll be in TX-23," wrote Matthew Klein from Cook Political Report on X. "He has backed Rep. Tony Gonzales, who is under fire for having an affair with a now-deceased staffer. The developments have been utterly unrelenting."

In what was allegedly an open secret in his office, Gonzeles — a Republican facing opposing from YouTuber and far right-winger Brandon Herrera — is accused of maintaining a romantic relationship with his aide Regina Santos-Aviles. Gonzales, who denies the allegations, has declined to answer any questions about the rumors, which took on a tragic turn after Santos-Aviles died after lighting herself on fire in her Uvalde home last year.

“Ms. Santos-Aviles was a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place,” Gonzales said in a statement. “Her efforts led to improvements in school safety, healthcare, and rural water like never before.” The Republican then accused Herrera and a “disgruntled staffer” of timing the story to coincide with early voting. The staffer in question claims to have not been paid or promised compensation by any of Gonzales’ primary opponents, although they admitted to having contacted Herrera about the affair.

“I am not going to engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans,” Gonzales said. The Navy veteran, who has represented the 23rd Congressional District since 2021, is married with six children. Despite Gonzales’ repeated claims to have been a faithful husband, Santos-Aviles’ widower Adrian went public for the first time earlier this month to allege Gonzalez “abused his power” and that he “couldn’t bear to sit by” while Gonzales continued to “lie on my wife’s name.”

“America deserves better,” Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) declared on Monday. “Tony should drop out of the race.” Gill was joined by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), who posted on X that "Congressman Gonzales must address these allegations and resign."

Despite the scandal surrounding his personal life, Gonzales is widely regarded as a Trump loyalist, even telling CNN host Dana Bash in July that he would support the president’s unpopular tariffs despite acknowledging they are economically harming his constituents.

“It may [hurt my constituents], but I do support the president in this," Gonzales told Bash. Adding that he was "very focused on the August 1st date," referencing Trump's deadline, the congressman continued that “what that means is that President Trump has given us a couple weeks to try to come up with a solution. And I have seen Mexico change. From months ago being allowed to do whatever they want, to now all of a sudden they are coming to the table.”

The Texas congressman concluded, "If the tariffs come into play, it hurts everyone.”