A Texas Republican congressman's primary campaign took a dark and dramatic turn this week, "jolting" what had been a closely watched race into a major politicalA Texas Republican congressman's primary campaign took a dark and dramatic turn this week, "jolting" what had been a closely watched race into a major political

'Watch this space': MS NOW analyst warns tragedy gave heated GOP race a major 'jolt'

2026/02/20 08:22
2 min read

A Texas Republican congressman's primary campaign took a dark and dramatic turn this week, "jolting" what had been a closely watched race into a major political story just weeks before voters head to the polls.

On Monday, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) received an official endorsement from President Donald Trump, who called him "terrific" ahead of the March 3 primary election. By Tuesday, the political landscape shifted dramatically, noted Steve Benin, a producer at MS NOW.

The San Antonio Express-News, Gonzales' hometown newspaper, published a report detailing allegations that Gonzales engaged in an extramarital affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a former aide. Santos-Aviles died by suicide last year by self-immolation.

The allegations have surfaced previously, and Gonzales, a married father of six, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. However, the Express-News reported that an unnamed former congressional aide came forward to verify that Santos-Aviles had disclosed the relationship to him. The aide provided a text message from Santos-Aviles stating she "had an affair with our boss."

According to The Wall Street Journal, Gonzales' main primary rival believes the congressman should exit the race entirely.

Gonzales avoided directly addressing the core allegations, instead commending Santos-Aviles' professional contributions and attacking his challenger, claiming the opponent was using a "disgruntled former staffer to smear her memory and score political points" as early voting commenced.

Perhaps most notably, the Express-News editorial board reversed its previous endorsement of Gonzales' re-election, fundamentally altering the political calculus in the race.

"Watch this space," Benin remarked.

Gonzales' main opponent is Brandon Herrera, a gun rights activist who nearly defeated him in the 2024 primary runoff by just 400 votes.

Market Opportunity
Santos FC Fan Token Logo
Santos FC Fan Token Price(SANTOS)
$1.973
$1.973$1.973
+2.17%
USD
Santos FC Fan Token (SANTOS) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

WhiteBIT Coin (WBT) Daily Market Analysis 20 February 2026

WhiteBIT Coin (WBT) Daily Market Analysis 20 February 2026

WhiteBIT Coin faces major March unlock – here's the latest: • WBT trades at $50.50 (20 February 2026) with a $10.79B market cap and steady weekly gains • Final
Share
Coinstats2026/02/20 10:14
Fed Decides On Interest Rates Today—Here’s What To Watch For

Fed Decides On Interest Rates Today—Here’s What To Watch For

The post Fed Decides On Interest Rates Today—Here’s What To Watch For appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Topline The Federal Reserve on Wednesday will conclude a two-day policymaking meeting and release a decision on whether to lower interest rates—following months of pressure and criticism from President Donald Trump—and potentially signal whether additional cuts are on the way. President Donald Trump has urged the central bank to “CUT INTEREST RATES, NOW, AND BIGGER” than they might plan to. Getty Images Key Facts The central bank is poised to cut interest rates by at least a quarter-point, down from the 4.25% to 4.5% range where they have been held since December to between 4% and 4.25%, as Wall Street has placed 100% odds of a rate cut, according to CME’s FedWatch, with higher odds (94%) on a quarter-point cut than a half-point (6%) reduction. Fed governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, both Trump appointees, voted in July for a quarter-point reduction to rates, and they may dissent again in favor of a large cut alongside Stephen Miran, Trump’s Council of Economic Advisers’ chair, who was sworn in at the meeting’s start on Tuesday. It’s unclear whether other policymakers, including Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid and St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem, will favor larger cuts or opt for no reduction. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said in his Jackson Hole, Wyoming, address last month the central bank would likely consider a looser monetary policy, noting the “shifting balance of risks” on the U.S. economy “may warrant adjusting our policy stance.” David Mericle, an economist for Goldman Sachs, wrote in a note the “key question” for the Fed’s meeting is whether policymakers signal “this is likely the first in a series of consecutive cuts” as the central bank is anticipated to “acknowledge the softening in the labor market,” though they may not “nod to an October cut.” Mericle said he…
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/18 00:23
Xerox Holdings Corporation Declares Dividend on Common and Preferred Stock

Xerox Holdings Corporation Declares Dividend on Common and Preferred Stock

NORWALK, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Xerox Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: XRX) announced today that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.025 per
Share
AI Journal2026/02/20 11:30