AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas was facing a rare potential censure Saturday by his state party over votes that included supporting new gun safety laws Following the Uvalde school shooting That was his district.
A censure by the Republican Party of Texas would underline how the two-term congressman’s willingness to break with conservatives on key issues during his short time in office has caused GOP Activists and colleagues can both bristle.
It includes an independent streak. opposing a sweeping House GOP immigration proposal Over the U.S.–Mexico border which encompasses a large part of his South Texas District. He voted for same-sex marriage defense. and was an outright “no” Following the election of Kevin McCarthy, Republican leader and speaker, we voted in opposition to a House rules package.
Gonzales has shown courage ahead of the vote that was scheduled to occur at a Texas gathering GOP Austin activists and leaders It was not planned that he would attend.
“We’ll see how that goes,” He spoke to reporters in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday.
Practically, censure allows the state party to step aside if Gonzales is reelected in 2024. It also gives the party the opportunity to spend money reminding primary voters of the denial. A three-fifths vote is required by the State Republican Executive Committee to pass a censure. There are more than 12 counties GOP clubs in Gonzales’ district have already approved local censure resolutions.
Gonzales cruised through it GOP He won the Republican primary in his Hispanic district and easily won reelection. He first won in 2020 to fill an open seat left by Republican Will Hurd — who also didn’t shy from breaking with the GOPAccording to aides, it is currently considering a run for president.
The potential censure illustrates the intraparty fights that still flare in America’s biggest red state even as Republicans celebrate 20 years of having full control of the Texas Legislature and every statewide office.
An ex-Texas resident died last year GOP The Chairman Allen West has resigned from his position. mount a faint primary challenge Against Republican Governor. Greg Abbott. In 2018, the state party also exonerated a Texas House Speaker who had opposed transgender bathroom restrictions.
Gonzales expressed support for a response to the Uvalde shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two educators. sweeping and bipartisan gun violence bill President Joe Biden signed. In Texas, he is the only Republican to serve in either the House or Congress. who has called for the resignation of the state’s police chief The ambiguous response of law enforcement to the attack.
