Tony Gonzales (TX-23)

Biography

Ernest "Tony" Gonzales II, born on October 10, 1980, in San Antonio, Texas, is a Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district since January 3, 2021. Raised in challenging circumstances—abandoned by his father at two months old and later seeking refuge in a battered women's shelter with his mother—Gonzales was primarily raised by his grandparents in San Antonio, Devine, and Camp Wood. At 18, he left high school to join the U.S. Navy, where he served for 20 years, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, a distinction earned by less than 1% of enlisted personnel. His military service included multiple deployments in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Congress, Gonzales represents a district encompassing over 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, the largest border district in the country. He serves on the Appropriations and Homeland Security committees and, in February 2025, became the first Texan to chair the Congressional Hispanic Conference, a group of House Republicans focused on issues affecting the Hispanic community.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Graduate Certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University
  • Master’s Degree in International Relations from American Public University
  • Ph.D. candidate in International Development with an emphasis on Security Studies and International Politics at the University of Southern Mississippi

• Political Experience:

  • Department of Defense Legislative Fellow in U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s office, contributing to defense, foreign policy, and intelligence portfolios
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020, representing Texas's 23rd congressional district
  • Serves on the Appropriations and Homeland Security committees
  • Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Conference since February 2025

Notable Achievements

• Legislation and Advocacy:

  • Authored a bill to strengthen penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers
  • Advocated for labeling fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and charging dealers linked to overdose deaths with felony murder
  • Supported the PACT Act, delivering assistance to veterans exposed to toxic substances
  • Introduced the UNITED Act to improve mental health services, including suicide prevention and telehealth

• Community Engagement:

  • Secured funding for rural health services, senior centers, law enforcement resources, and water infrastructure projects within his district
  • Advocated for increased VA healthcare centers in South and West Texas and secured federal funds to build homes for veterans in TX-23

Gonzales's legislative efforts reflect his commitment to national security, veterans' affairs, mental health, and community development, underscoring his dedication to serving both his constituents and the nation.