Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) endorsed Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) on Wednesday, defending the congressman as he faces criticism from fellow Republicans after dubbing two far-right caucus members “scumbags.” .
Gonzales went after Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) and Bob Good (R-Va.) over the weekend, saying Freedom Caucus members “walk around in white hoods” and referencing allegations that Gaetz “paid minors to have sex with him at drug parties. Gaetz denied any wrongdoing. Gonzales also took aim at Good’s endorsement of his opponent, who Gonzales described as a “neo-Nazi.”
Abbott came to Gonzales’ defense on Wednesday, arguing that he is the best choice to continue representing Texas in Congress, although he did not directly address the backlash from “scum.”
“Tony Gonzales is a strong advocate for strengthening border security measures in Congress,” Abbott wrote in a statement. “I urge all Texans in Congressional District 23 to join me in supporting Tony Gonzales for reelection in the upcoming May primary runoff.”
Gonzales faces a primary runoff against gun rights advocate and social media influencer Brandon Herrera after neither candidate won a majority of votes in the March primary election. Both Gaetz and Good supported Herrera in the race.
In the primaries, Gonzales received 45% of the vote to Herrera’s 25%. The second round of elections is on May 28.
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