SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, said he’s retiring. It comes months after he admitted to an affair with an aide, who later died by suicide.

That big announcement to leave Congress is leaving many people in South Texas with mixed emotions. 

“To me, I would like him to resign,” said Ray Salazar. “That’s not fair what he did. [Resign] immediately.”

Gonzales shared his retirement on X on Monday night.

“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas,” Gonzales said in the post.

There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) April 13, 2026

He previously decided not to run for reelection despite initial plans to go head-to-head with YouTuber Brandon Herrera in the Republican runoffs after coming in second in the March primary race.

Gonzales submitted his official resignation Tuesday afternoon in the U.S. House.

“There was enough of a core there to build up and basically blow up and destroy his career,” said Jon Taylor, a political science professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

He said Gonzales’ use of the word “retirement” in his X post is important. After five years in Congress, he could eventually apply for a pension under retirement.

“I think it’s semantics at this point,” said Taylor. “I think he’s trying to soften the blow, but it’s a resignation.”

What comes next is in the hands of Gov. Greg Abbott.

He will need to call for a special election, which could be weeks or months from now.

“The question is: will Abbott quickly try to fill this one in a special election, simply because they don’t want to lose that Republican seat? It’s quite possible,” said Taylor.

Regardless, voters Spectrum News talked with on Tuesday said they’re glad to see him gone.

“He should be kicked out,” said Armando Garcia. “He shouldn’t be able to get benefits or anything.”

Just one hour before Gonzales’ X announcement, Democrat U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell from California also announced his resignation after expecting to face an expulsion vote for allegations of sexual misconduct.