Democrat U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez is claiming in a new campaign ad that he has never supported sex-change procedures for children, despite previously voting against legislation aimed at restricting the treatments.
In the ad, Gonzalez pushes back against criticism of his record, declaring, “I’ve never supported sex changes for kids.”
But his voting record tells a different story.
Gonzalez has repeatedly cosponsored the Equality Act, which he supported in four consecutive Congresses.
The legislation would expand federal nondiscrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Critics argue it could be used to challenge restrictions on gender mutilation procedures.
Gonzalez also voted against amendments to defense legislation in 2023 that sought to restrict military healthcare programs from covering or providing certain gender-transition procedures.
One amendment would have prohibited TRICARE from covering sex-change surgeries and hormone treatments. Another targeted gender-transition procedures through the military’s Exceptional Family Member Program, including treatments for dependent children.
Last year, Gonzalez voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included a provision restricting Medicaid funding for gender-transition procedures.
“Out of touch Vicente Gonzalez is a gutless hypocrite who lectures parents about protecting children while he voted to greenlight puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries on minors,” said NRCC spokesman Christian Martinez.
“He can’t explain his own radical record because he knows it’s sick.”
Gonzalez also takes aim at his Republican challenger, Eric Flores, in the ad.
“Eric Flores stands with abusers. I stand with the survivors,” Gonzalez says.
However, Gonzalez’ own legal career included representing a defendant accused of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend.
According to a 2000 court case cited by Republicans, Gonzalez represented Luis Ramirez Martinez, who was accused of repeatedly punching his girlfriend after learning she was pregnant, causing her to fall to the ground.
Martinez pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury and received 180 days of community supervision following a plea agreement.
The case adds to scrutiny of Gonzalez’ legal career, which Republicans have previously highlighted in attacks over his representation of defendants charged with drug trafficking and human smuggling.
Texas Scorecard contacted Gonzalez’ campaign for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
