EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-District 23) led a congressional delegation to the border in Eagle Pass on Monday, two days after being censured by the Texas Republican Party.
“At the end of the day, I will roll up my sleeves every single day, and anybody who wishes to challenge me, it’s a fool’s errand. I will run you to the deep end of the pool every single time and drown you, so I welcome it,” Gonzales said.
The Texas GOP voted in favor of the censure 57-5, with one abstaining, on Saturday. They cited a lack of loyalty to Republican principles and priorities.
The censure is a formal disapproval that cuts Gonzales from state GOP funds and discourages him from running as a Republican in the primary election runoff. The penalties expire on May 28, 2024, the date of the primary runoff.
“Look, there are people who like you. There are people who don’t like you. I served 20 years in the military. I learned a long time ago you can’t please everyone, nor should you try,” Gonzales said. “You should be firm in who you are, and you should fight for the things you believe in.”
Gonzales has voted against the majority of the Republican Party on a handful of issues. He was in favor of modest gun reform after the Uvalde shooting, in favor of same-sex marriage, the sole Republican to vote against a House Republican rules package, and disagreed with fellow Texas Republican U.S. Rep. Chip Roy’s border security measures.
Gonzales brought lawmakers from Florida, Indiana, and Guam to the border in Eagle Pass to address ongoing issues. The trip included meeting with local law enforcement, U.S. Border Patrol and Customs, and agriculture stakeholders.
Full news conference below:
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Texas GOP censures U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales over party-splitting votes in Congress