Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales Ends Run After Admitting Affair with Aide
Republican Representative Tony Gonzales from Texas has announced his decision to withdraw from his re-election campaign. The news comes after he confessed to having an affair with a former aide who tragically died by suicide. Despite this controversy, Gonzales intends to complete his current term in Congress.
Controversy Surrounds Gonzales
Gonzales made his announcement on social media, expressing it was a difficult choice made with his family’s support. His admission follows significant pressure from GOP leadership to step down from his re-election bid. This situation has triggered an investigation by the House Ethics Committee into his behavior.
Calls for Resignation and Reactions
On Thursday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders insisted Gonzales address the serious allegations directly. Before the announcement, Gonzales was scheduled to face a May runoff against Brandon Herrera, a prominent gun rights activist.
- Gonzales acknowledged the relationship during an interview.
- His former aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, committed suicide in September 2025.
- The Bexar County Medical Examiner determined her death as a suicide.
- Gonzales claimed he had not seen Santos-Aviles since June 2024.
Ethics Investigation and Consequences
In light of these events, Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has proposed two resolutions. One focuses on removing Gonzales from his committee assignments, while the other seeks to censure him. Meanwhile, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has voiced support for the potential expulsion of Gonzales from Congress, which would require a two-thirds vote.
Despite the turmoil, GOP leaders did not explicitly call for his resignation. They are cautious about maintaining their slim majority in the House, which has made navigating this situation more complicated. Gonzales has been in office since 2020, after a 20-year military career.
In a reflective statement, Gonzales accepted responsibility for his lapse in judgment and expressed a desire to reconcile with his wife, Angel. He looks forward to clearing the air during the ongoing investigation, adhering to House ethics rules regarding relationships with staff members.
