U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-San Antonio) said Monday that he will resign from Congress, preempting a potential expulsion vote by colleagues who’ve been investigating his relationship with a former staffer who died by suicide.
“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,” Gonzales wrote on social media. “When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”
It’s unclear what will happen to Gonzales’ 23rd Congressional District.
He’d already dropped his reelection bid this November, setting up a race between Republican Brandon Herrera and Democrat Katy Padilla Stout.
Republicans have an extremely narrow U.S. House majority, but Gonzales decision comes as Democrats are also losing a member at the same time.
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California) is also resigning amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
