Republicans say their 'razor-thin' majority leaves scandal-plagued members 'untouchable'

The House is caught up in a "losing battle" with its own "razor-thin" majority, according to a lawmaker who spoke to MS NOW, with the harsh reality of the "game of numbers" leaving scandal-plagued member likes Tony Gonzales "untouchable." Others in the caucus, meanwhile, have been able to use it as an "incredible bargaining chip.

Gonzales, a Texas Republican facing a primary race next week, has recently been embroiled in a thorny scandal that has colleagues calling for his resignation. Gonzales is accused of carrying on an affair with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who committed suicide in graphic fashion last year at her home in Uvalde. While the congressman has denied the relationship, recently surfaced text messages from Santos-Aviles show her admitting to an affair with the boss.

The disturbing story has led numerous lawmakers — including many Democrats, and an increasing number of his fellow Republicans — to call for his resignation and for him to drop out of the primary race, both of which he has declined to do. A staunch MAGA-loyalist, Gonzales is also still endorsed in his race by Donald Trump.

Speaking with MS NOW anonymously, a Republican lawmaker asserted that Gonzales is unlikely to face any pushback from House Speaker Mike Johnson and the rest of the House GOP's leadership. Because the party's majority in the chamber is down to the wire, leaders worry that moving against Gonzales will cost them severely even before the midterms in November — and the situation has given major "leeway" to other members of the caucus.

"It’s a game of numbers and we’re in a losing battle,” one Republican told the outlet. “Anyone who is remotely considering leaving right now would be able to use that as an incredible bargaining chip.”

This source added that amid the current conditions, "leadership right now is scrambling just to do the normal business of the day." Even scandal-plagued members, like Gonzales, are considered to be "untouchable" right now.

"They can’t lose a single vote, and so members almost seem untouchable right now," the Republican added.

Another anonymous House Republican said that, "The Gonzales [story] is a really ugly situation," but admitted that the reality of governing with a tight majority means a tough decision has to be made by the party.

"On one hand, you got to be sure that we can govern, and because of the small majorities, you kind of have to let some stuff slide until you can take care of it," they said.

When pressed by MS NOW, Johnson said the allegations against Gonzales were “very serious,” “alarming” and “detestable," but he has so far declined to rescind his own endorsement and said that "things will play out" in his primary race next week. When asked further if the narrow majority was his reason for not going harder against Gonzales, Johnson "was emphatic that the answer is 'No.'"

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