(The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, said on Monday he will file documents to retire from Congress Tuesday amid allegations of an inappropriate sexual relationship with a staffer.
“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,” Gonzales wrote on social media, announcing his retirement. “It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”
Lawmakers have increasingly called on Gonzales to resign amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer who committed suicide.
“The American people deserve someone worthy of their trust,” Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote.
Gonzales’ retirement would further narrow Republicans’ majority in the U.S. House. Republicans hold a 219-214 majority after Clay Fuller won the seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene.
However, with Gonzales’ departure, the majority would slim to 218. At the same time, though, House Democrats will lose a representative after Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., announced he would resign amid sexual assault allegations.
Texas law requires the governor to call a special election in the wake of a vacancy, but does not specify a certain time frame for the election. Once the governor calls for an election, it must occur within 36 days of the order.
