Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) backed Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) on Wednesday, standing up for the congressman as he faces criticism from fellow Republicans after labeling two far-right members of the caucus “scumbags.”
Gonzales criticized Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Bob Good (R-Va.) over the weekend, accusing the Freedom Caucus members of “walk around with white hoods,” and referencing allegations that Gaetz “paid minors to have sex with him at drug parties.” Gaetz has denied wrongdoing. Gonzales also criticized Good’s endorsement of his opponent, describing him as a “neo-Nazi.”
Abbott defended Gonzales on Wednesday, asserting that he is the best option to continue representing Texas in Congress, though he did not directly address the “scumbags” backlash.
“Tony Gonzales is a strong advocate for enhancing border security measures in Congress,” Abbott stated. “I encourage all Texans in Congressional District 23 to support Tony Gonzales for re-election in the upcoming May primary runoff election.”
Gonzales is up against a primary runoff election with gun rights advocate and social media influencer Brandon Herrera after neither candidate secured a majority of votes in a March primary election. Both Gaetz and Good have endorsed Herrera in the race.
In the primary, Gonzales received 45 percent of the vote to Herrera’s 25 percent. The runoff election is on May 28.
