Rep. Tony Gonzales raises $1.3 million in first quarter following GOP censure
Eden Villalovas
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Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) pulled in $1.3 million in fundraising during the first quarter, reinforcing his reelection campaign after being censured by the Texas Republican Party last month.
Gonzales told the Washington Examiner he takes pride in running a professional campaign that raises the funds needed to get the message out while also being a “grassroots guy that shows up in jeans and boots and everybody knows.”
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Gonzales raised $1,307,245 in the first three months of the year, and a significant amount as cash on hand, making this his best quarter to date.
Along with the successful financial season, Gonzales picked up 80 endorsements ranging from elected officials, law enforcement, members of the anti-abortion movement, and other conservative affiliations. Gonzales expressed his excitement over the reputable list of grassroots endorsements.
In March, the Texas GOP voted 57-5 to censure the two-term Republican congressman for a lack of “fidelity to Republican principles and priorities.”
Gonzales has voted against his party on a number of issues by pushing for gun control after the Uvalde elementary school shooting and supporting the Respect for Marriage Act, which protects same-sex marriage. Gonzales also voted against the Border Safety and Security Act of 2023, sponsored by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX). Gonzales will be cut off from the state party until the primary runoff in May.
“I won’t downplay how difficult it is when you get censured by your state party, even when the party is relevant or not relevant,” Gonzales told the Washington Examiner. “Still, you want to show that you have support at all levels.”
The censorship prompted challengers announcing they were considering campaigns, including Medina County Republican Party Chairwoman Julie Clark and retired Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Victor Avila.
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The censure is not stopping Gonzales from keeping his face on the map. He continues to meet with constituents and supporters. Outlining his busy schedule for this week, from visiting a Helotes barbecue shop to a San Antonio peanut shop and meeting the press along the way.
“As long as I am doing my job, as long as I continue to deliver for my district and the state, good things are happening,” Gonzales said. “Anyone who decides to run against me is a fool’s errand because you’re never going to outwork me.”