House Speaker Mike Johnson, left, campaigned for Rep. Tony Gonzales days after he called a pair of fellow GOP lawmakers "scumbags." (Getty Images)
The allegations against Gaetz, which he denies, were the subject of a federal probe that prosecutors ultimately decided not to move forward with.
Gaetz and Good’s allies seized on the comments and, soon after, on Johnson’s plan to appear with Gonzales.
TENSIONS ERUPT ON HOUSE FLOOR AS CONSERVATIVES CONFRONT JOHNSON ON $95B FOREIGN AID PLAN
It is part of the continued fallout from the House passing Johnson’s $95 billion foreign aid plan for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific. Johnson’s plan got wide bipartisan support but angered a rebellious faction of House GOP lawmakers who feel increasingly sidelined by Johnson as he navigates critical legislation with a historically slim majority.
Johnson's campaign events are typically planned well in advance, but the backlash to this recent stop shows the historic division that's plagued the House GOP for much of this Congress.
House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good was also named by Rep. Tony Gonzales. (Getty Images)
A source familiar with Johnson’s campaign plans told Fox News Digital that the event with Gonzales was a longstanding stop that was part of a wider campaign season swing through Texas.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Gonzales wrote on X of the fundraiser, "Proud to host an incredible crowd for our Fiesta luncheon! Thank you to Speaker Johnson for attending and being a champion for the issues that impact."
Fox News Digital reached out to Gonzales’ campaign for comment on the GOP rebel-led backlash but did not immediately hear back. Fox News Digital reached out to Good's campaign as well.
When reached for further comment by Fox News Digital, Gaetz listed off what conservatives say are Johnson's legislative shortfalls, including the bipartisan government funding deal, renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and his support of Gonzales.
"Speaker Johnson has undergone a metamorphosis that would make the monarch butterfly blush," he said.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.
Subscribed
You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/johnson-fundraises-house-republican-who-called-matt-gaetz-bob-good-scumbags