'Watch this space': MS NOW analyst warns tragedy gave heated GOP race a major 'jolt'

A Texas Republican congressman's primary campaign took a dark and dramatic turn this week, "jolting" what had been a closely watched race into a major political story just weeks before voters head to the polls.

On Monday, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) received an official endorsement from President Donald Trump, who called him "terrific" ahead of the March 3 primary election. By Tuesday, the political landscape shifted dramatically, noted Steve Benin, a producer at MS NOW.

The San Antonio Express-News, Gonzales' hometown newspaper, published a report detailing allegations that Gonzales engaged in an extramarital affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a former aide. Santos-Aviles died by suicide last year by self-immolation.

The allegations have surfaced previously, and Gonzales, a married father of six, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. However, the Express-News reported that an unnamed former congressional aide came forward to verify that Santos-Aviles had disclosed the relationship to him. The aide provided a text message from Santos-Aviles stating she "had an affair with our boss."

According to The Wall Street Journal, Gonzales' main primary rival believes the congressman should exit the race entirely.

Gonzales avoided directly addressing the core allegations, instead commending Santos-Aviles' professional contributions and attacking his challenger, claiming the opponent was using a "disgruntled former staffer to smear her memory and score political points" as early voting commenced.

Perhaps most notably, the Express-News editorial board reversed its previous endorsement of Gonzales' re-election, fundamentally altering the political calculus in the race.

"Watch this space," Benin remarked.

Gonzales' main opponent is Brandon Herrera, a gun rights activist who nearly defeated him in the 2024 primary runoff by just 400 votes.