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Rep. Anthony Gonzalez Censured By Ohio Republican Party

By Jo Ingles

Published May 7, 2021 at 8:54 PM EDT

Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee [Jo Ingles / Statehouse News Bureau] — Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee

The Ohio Republican Party’s State Central Committee censured U.S. Rep. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez in two separate resolutions.

The effect the move will have on his political future is unclear.

By a near unanimous vote, GOP committee members formally expressed their disapproval of Gonzalez for his February vote to impeach former President Donald Trump. The committee also censured the nine other Republican members of Congress from other states who supported impeachment in one of the resolutions. A majority of committee members also agreed to a resolution, sponsored by central committee member Shannon Burns of Strongsville, that goes one step further, calling on Gonzalez to resign.

“The people want to be heard. And the people feel like they have been forgotten," Burns said.

Many committee members viewed Gonzalez's vote to impeach Trump as politically motivated, including Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Paduchik.

"This resolution addresses an unconstitutional, politically motivated process that served no purpose. Republicans and Democratic members alike have the right to vote in any way they so choose. This committee also has a right to stand on principle and conviction," Paduchik said.

Gonzalez faces two opponents in next year’s primary, one backed by Trump. And while this censure is largely symbolic, it could be a factor in Gonzalez’s bid for reelection.