Tony Gonzales | |
---|---|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 23rd district | |
Assumed office January 3, 2021 | |
Preceded by | Will Hurd |
Personal details | |
Born | Ernest Anthony Gonzales October 10, 1980 |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Angel Gonzales |
Children | 6 |
Education | Chaminade University (AA) Excelsior College (BS) American Public University (MA) |
Website | House website |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | ![]() |
Years of service | 1999–2019 |
Rank | Master Chief Petty Officer |
Unit | Cryptologic Technician |
Battles/wars | Iraq War War in Afghanistan |
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 was raised in San Antonio, Devine, and Camp Wood, Texas.[4][5] 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.[6]
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.[7][8]
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.[9][10]
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.[11] In the November general election, Gonzales defeated Democratic nominee Gina Ortiz Jones.[12] The result was considered an upset, as most forecasters believed that the Democrats were favored to flip the district after Hurd announced his retirement.[13] Gonzales's term in office began on January 3, 2021.[14][15][16][17]
Gonzales, along with all other Senate and House Republicans, voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.[18]
On May 19, 2021, Gonzales was one of 35 Republicans who joined all Democrats in voting to approve legislation to establish the January 6, 2021 commission meant to investigate the storming of the U.S. Capitol.[19]
Gonzales and his wife, Angel, have six children.[25] Angel served as the treasurer and custodian of records for Gonzales's campaign.[26] He is a Roman Catholic.[27]
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 |