Anthony Gonzalez, one of ten Republicans in the US House of Representatives who voted for the impeachment of President Donald Trump in January, announced Thursday, September 16 that he would not seek a new term, citing a
"toxic"
atmosphere
within his side.
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Anthony Gonzalez, 36, who ends his second term as Ohio representative in 2022, explained his decision mainly on family grounds. But he also raised the possibility of having to face a pro-Trump opponent in a primary next year.
“My desire to build a more fulfilling family life is at the heart of my decision,”
the elected official said in a statement.
"It is also true that the current state of our political life, and in particular the toxic dynamics within our party, is a significant factor in my decision,"
he added.
In an interview with the
New York Times
Thursday, Anthony Gonzalez had called Donald Trump
"cancer for the country"
.
He is the first of the Republican elected officials who voted for the impeachment of Donald Trump to give up being re-elected.
The former president, who continues to wield considerable influence over the Republican Party, has vowed to do everything in his power to prevent his Republican critics from retaining their seats in the 2022 legislative ballot.
Read alsoThe Republican Party continues its Trumpist mutation ... with or without Donald Trump
Donald Trump has already announced that he would support one of his former advisers, Max Miller, in the Republican primaries in the riding of Anthony Gonzalez, who was also disowned by his party in Ohio. Several elected Democrats have supported Anthony Gonzalez and the other Republicans who voted for the impeachment of Donald Trump on social networks.
“They are paying the price for doing the right thing
,
”
rep Brendan Boyle tweeted.
"But history will prove them right,"
he added.
