Tony Gonzales

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Not to be confused with Anthony Gonzalez (politician).
This article is about the Texas politician. For for other people with similar names, see Anthony Gonzalez (disambiguation).

Tony Gonzales
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Texas's 23rd district
Assumed office
January 3, 2021
Preceded byWill Hurd
Personal details
Born
Ernest Anthony Gonzales

(1980-10-10) October 10, 1980 (age 43)
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseAngel Gonzales
Children6
EducationChaminade University (AA)
Excelsior College (BS)
American Public University (MA)
University of Southern Mississippi
WebsiteHouse website
Campaign website
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Years of service1999–2019
RankMaster Chief Petty Officer
UnitCryptologic Technician
Battles/warsIraq War
War in Afghanistan
Tony Gonzales's voice
Tony Gonzales highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Recorded October 20, 2021

Ernest Anthony Gonzales II[1] (born October 10, 1980)[2] is an American politician and United States Navy veteran who has served as the U.S. representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives since 2021.[3] He is a member of the Republican Party.

Gonzales is considered a conservative Republican[4], having won his first term in 2020 with President Trump's support and, now, Gonzales has endorsed President Trump for President in the 2024 election.[5]

Gonzales, who represents over 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border,[6] is known for being a strong advocate for increasing border security.[7] Additionally, Gonzales is known as a strong Pro-Life Congressman[8] and an avid supporter of veteran issues.[9]


Early life and education

Gonzales was raised in San Antonio, Devine, and Camp Wood, Texas.[10][11] He earned an Associate of Arts from Chaminade University, a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College, a graduate certificate in legislative studies from Georgetown University, and a Master of Arts from American Public University.[2] He is in a PhD program at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he has specialized in international development, security studies, and international politics.[12]

Early career

From 1999 to 2019, Gonzales served in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. A trained cryptologist, Gonzales was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also stationed in Tampa, Florida; Pensacola, Florida; Kāneʻohe Bay; and San Antonio, and assigned to the United States Navy Office of Legislative Affairs.[13][14]

Gonzales served as a Department of Defense fellow in the office of Senator Marco Rubio and also worked as an assistant professor of political science at the University of Maryland.[15][16]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2020

See also: 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Texas § District 23

Gonzales ran for Texas's 23rd congressional district in the 2020 election. The seat was open, as three-term Republican incumbent Will Hurd did not seek reelection. In the Republican primary, Gonzales narrowly defeated Raul Reyes after a recount. During the primary, Gonzales was endorsed by Hurd and President Donald Trump.<ref">Svitek, Patrick (July 4, 2020). "Donald Trump endorses Tony Gonzales to replace U.S. Rep. Will Hurd". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved November 4, 2020.</ref> In the November general election, Gonzales defeated Democratic nominee Gina Ortiz Jones.[17] The result was considered an upset, as most forecasters believed that the Democrats were favored to flip the district after Hurd announced his retirement.[18] Gonzales's term in office began on January 3, 2021.[19][20][21][22]

2022

See also: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Texas § District 23

Gonzales ran for reelection in 2022. Gonzales ran for re-election in 2022, winning his primary with 78% of the vote and the general election with 55.87% against Democrat John Lira and Independent candidate Frank Lopez Jr.

2024

See also: 2024 United States House of Representatives elections in Texas § District 23
2024 GOP primary results by county:
  30–40% Gonzales
  40–50% Gonzales
  50–60% Gonzales
  60–70% Gonzales
2024 GOP primary runoff results by county:
  Gonzales
  •   50–60% Gonzales
  •   60–70% Gonzales
  Herrera
  •   50–60% Herrera
  •   60–70% Herrera
  •   70–80% Herrera
  •   80–90% Herrera

Tony Gonzales faced several Primary challengers and finished first in the March 5th Primary Election.[23] Gonzales went on to defeat Brandon Herrera in the May 28th Runoff Election.[24]

Tenure

Gonzales voted against impeaching Trump after the events of January 6, 2021, saying that the nation needed to heal and that he looked forward to working with President Biden to do that.[25]

Like all other Senate and House Republicans, Gonzales voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.[26]

On November 5, 2021, Gonzales voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, along with all but thirteen House Republicans. He published a press release on November 6, 2021, saying, "Last night, I voted against the infrastructure bill as it will only lead to more spending for the Democrats and this flailing administration".


Gonzales was a strong supporter of the Secure the Border Act, a bill described by several House Republicans as "the strongest border security bill ever passed out of Congress."[27]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

Party leadership

  • Assistant Republican Whip (2021–present)[32]

Political positions

Abortion

Gonzales describes himself as pro-life. He co-sponsored the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2021 (H.R. 18), which aims to codify the Hyde Amendment banning federal funding for abortions.[33][34]

Cybersecurity

Gonzales has cited cybersecurity as "a top priority in Congress" and has supported increased funding for Texan infrastructure against acts of cyberterrorism or ransomware.[35]

Foreign policy

During the Russo-Ukrainian War, Gonzales signed a letter urging President Biden to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.[36]

Gun rights

Gonzales supported amending the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act to remove a proposed red flag law provision. He and other House Republicans signed a letter that argued the provision would infringe on Second Amendment rights and allow "military judges and magistrates to issue military court gun confiscation orders."[37]


Immigration

Gonzales supports keeping Title 42 expulsion in place and, along with Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, wrote to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra arguing that the removal of Title 42 would encourage illegal immigration at the southern border.[38][39]

Israel

Gonzales voted to support Israel following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[40][41]

LGBT issues

On July 19, 2022, Gonzales and 46 other House Republicans voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. It would require each state to recognize any marriage performed in another state, and codify same-sex marriage and Obergefell v. Hodges into federal law.[42][43] It was signed into law by President Biden on December 13, 2022.


Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

Gonzales was among the 71 Republicans who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.[44]

Personal life

Gonzales and his wife, Angel, have six children.[45] Angel served as the treasurer and custodian of records for Gonzales's campaign.[46] He is a Roman Catholic.[47]

Electoral history

2020 Texas's 23rd congressional district election[48]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tony Gonzales 149,395 50.6
Democratic Gina Ortiz Jones 137,693 46.6
Libertarian Beto Villela 8,369 2.8
Total votes 295,457 100
Republican hold
2022 Texas's 23rd congressional district election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tony Gonzales (incumbent) 116,649 55.8
Democratic John Lira 80,947 38.7
Independent Frank Lopez Jr. 11,180 5.3
Total votes 208,776 100.0
Republican hold

See also

References

  1. ^ "GONZALES, ERNEST ANTHONY TONY II - Candidate overview". FEC.gov.
  2. ^ a b Bernal, Rafael (November 30, 2020). "Rep.-elect Tony Gonzales (R-Texas-23)". The Hill. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  3. ^ Cochrane, Emily (November 4, 2020). "Tony Gonzales Defeats Gina Ortiz Jones, Keeping G.O.P. Hold on Texas House Seat". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  4. ^ Burinsky, Madison (January 7, 2024). "Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales defends Trump endorsement despite Trump downplaying Jan. 6". ABC News.
  5. ^ Svitek, By Patrick (July 4, 2020). "Donald Trump endorses Tony Gonzales to replace U.S. Rep. Will Hurd". The Texas Tribune.
  6. ^ "Our District". Representative Tony Gonzales.
  7. ^ Bernal, Rafael (February 9, 2023). "Tony Gonzales steps up to the plate on immigration and border security". The Hill. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  8. ^ "Rep. Tony Gonzales | National Pro-Life Scorecard".
  9. ^ "Military & Veterans Affairs". Representative Tony Gonzales.
  10. ^ "Tony Gonzales". NRCC Young Guns. September 11, 2019. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  11. ^ "Tony Gonzales has repeatedly perpetrated the false allegation that Gina Ortiz Jones doesn't live in Texas". ExpressNews.com. October 7, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  12. ^ "FDD | Tony Gonzales". FDD. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  13. ^ "San Antonio Navy vet sets his sights on Doggett's congressional seat". ExpressNews.com. July 31, 2019. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  14. ^ "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart.
  15. ^ "Tony Gonzales, Navy Information Operations Command N3 Operations Chief". www.militarycityusaradio.org. October 31, 2018. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  16. ^ "Tony Gonzales". Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  17. ^ Tracy, Gerald (November 3, 2020). "Tony Gonzales claims District 23 win, Gina Ortiz Jones calls it 'premature'". KABB. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  18. ^ "Tony Gonzales clinches House District 23 in surprise upset". November 4, 2020.
  19. ^ Svitek, Patrick (August 22, 2020). "After recount, Tony Gonzales is still winner of GOP runoff for U.S. Rep. Will Hurd's seat". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  20. ^ "Texas Election Results: 23rd Congressional District". The New York Times. November 3, 2020. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  21. ^ "Republican Gonzales gets early lead in TX-23". ExpressNews.com. November 4, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  22. ^ Tracy, Gerald (November 3, 2020). "Tony Gonzales pulling away as more votes start coming in". WOAI. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  23. ^ "Texas 23rd Congressional District Primary Runoff Election Results". May 28, 2024 – via NYTimes.com.
  24. ^ Oppenheim, Oren (May 29, 2024). "Rep. Tony Gonzales projected winner of closely watched Texas primary runoff". ABC News.
  25. ^ "Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales Votes Against Impeachment of President Trump". KSAT.com. January 13, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  26. ^ Carl Hulse (March 6, 2021). "After Stimulus Victory in Senate, Reality Sinks in: Bipartisanship Is Dead". New York Times.
  27. ^ "Chairman Green Celebrates House Passage of H.R. 2, Secure the Border Act – Committee on Homeland Security".
  28. ^ "Congressman Tony Gonzales Named to Appropriations Committee | Representative Tony Gonzales". gonzales.house.gov. January 14, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  29. ^ a b Gonzalez, Anthony (January 29, 2021). "Congressman Tony Gonzales Announces Subcommittee Assignments". U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  30. ^ "Congressman Tony Gonzales Joins Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus | Representative Tony Gonzales". gonzales.house.gov. January 21, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  31. ^ "Congressman Tony Gonzales Joins Republican Study Committee | Representative Tony Gonzales". gonzales.house.gov. January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  32. ^ "Congressman Tony Gonzales Named Assistant Whip for House Republicans | Representative Tony Gonzales". gonzales.house.gov. January 15, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  33. ^ "H.R.18 - No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2021". Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  34. ^ "Pro-Life". April 27, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  35. ^ "Cybersecurity". January 18, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  36. ^ O'Brien, Connor (February 17, 2023). "Democrats, Republicans join up to urge Biden to send F-16s to Ukraine". Politico. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  37. ^ "Congressman Tony Gonzales, House GOP Colleagues Urge Removal of Red Flag Law From NDAA". September 30, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  38. ^ "Cornyn, Cruz, Gonzales Lead Texas Delegation Letter Urging Biden to Keep Title 42 Given Record Border Crossings". Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  39. ^ "Why Title 42 is still necessary". May 20, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  40. ^ Demirjian, Karoun (October 25, 2023). "House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  41. ^ "Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. October 25, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  42. ^ Schnell, Mychael (July 19, 2022). "These are the 47 House Republicans who voted for a bill protecting marriage equality". The Hill. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  43. ^ "Only 1 Texas Republican voted in favor of the Respect For Marriage Act protecting same-sex marriage". July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  44. ^ Gans, Jared (May 31, 2023). "Republicans and Democrats who bucked party leaders by voting no". The Hill. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  45. ^ Dearman, Eleanor. "Congressman Will Hurd picks who he wants to replace him in 23rd District". El Paso Times. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  46. ^ "Form 1 for Tony Gonzales for Congress". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  47. ^ Liedl, Jonathan (November 18, 2020). "New Catholic Elected Officials Hope to Lead with Faith". National Catholic Register. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  48. ^ "Texas Election Results: 23rd Congressional District". New York Times. November 3, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2021.

External links

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Texas's 23rd congressional district
2021–present 		Incumbent
Preceded by Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference
2023–present
Served alongside: Mario Díaz-Balart
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
310th 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://mdwiki.org/wiki/Tony_Gonzales"