Congressional District 23 remained in Republican hands on Wednesday morning. Tony Gonzales secured his victory over the massive West Texas district once Democrat Gina Ortiz Jones conceded the race the morning after Election Day.
Gonzales will succeed Republican Will Hurd, who planned to step down after the end of his current term.
"The constituents of this district have placed their trust in me, and I will not let them down," Gonzales said in a statement. "I thank Gina (Ortiz) Jones for her military and government service and wish her well. Starting today we are getting to work!"
Gonzales won with just over 50% of the vote.
The expansive 23rd District has been a swing district over the years, and it stretches from San Antonio to just outside El Paso and along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Gonzales is a former Navy cryptologist who received President Trump's endorsement during the primary. He narrowly defeated Raul Reyes for the Republican nomination.
This was Ortiz Jones' second bid for the 23rd District. The former Air Force intelligence officer narrowly lost to Hurd in 2018.
"I want to thank each and every grassroots supporter, volunteer, and member of my staff who poured their heart into our campaign," she said in a statement on Wednesday morning. "I am so proud of the race we ran, and it is our shared commitment to fighting for working families in South and West Texas that continues to give me hope."
TPR was founded by and is supported by our community. If you value our commitment to the highest standards of responsible journalism and are able to do so, please consider making your gift of support today.
