Abbott endorses Texas congressman who called colleagues ‘scumbags’

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 members of the caucus “scumbags.”

Gonzales went after Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Bob Good (R-Va.) over the weekend, saying the Freedom Caucus members “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 took aim at Good’s endorsement of his opponent, who Gonzales described as a “neo-Nazi.”

Abbott came to Gonzales’ defense Wednesday, arguing that he is the best choice to continue representing Texas in Congress, though he did not directly address the “scumbugs” blowback.

“Tony Gonzales is a fierce champion for bolstering border security measures in Congress,” Abbott wrote in a statement. “I urge all Texans across Congressional District 23 to join me in supporting Tony Gonzales for re-election in the upcoming May primary runoff election.”

Gonzales faces a primary runoff election against gun rights advocate and social media influencer Brandon Herrera after neither candidate gained a majority of votes in a March primary election. Both Gaetz and Good have backed Herrera in the race.

In the primary, Gonzales received 45 percent of the vote to Herrera’s 25 percent. The runoff election is May 28.