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U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales Withdraws from Re-election Following Affair Admission and Ethics Probe

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U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales Withdraws from Re-Election Bid After Admitting Affair

U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) has withdrawn from his re-election campaign after admitting to an affair with a former staff member. The admission followed allegations and an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation. Gonzales stated he will complete his current term in Congress.

Allegations and Investigation

Allegations of an affair between Rep. Gonzales and his former district director, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, surfaced following her death by suicide in September 2025. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a suicide.

  • The San Antonio Express-News reported obtaining text messages it stated were between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles, which included sexually explicit content and discussions of a relationship. Other news organizations, including NPR and The Associated Press, noted they had not independently verified the messages.
  • Adrian Aviles, Santos-Aviles' husband, stated in media interviews that he learned of the alleged affair before his wife's death. He said he believes Gonzales "played a role" in her death by "predatorizing" her, though he did not claim Gonzales directly caused it. Aviles stated he possesses additional messages but has released only a portion to protect his family, denying any political motivation.
  • The House Ethics Committee announced a formal investigation into allegations that Gonzales "engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his congressional office and/or discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges." The probe is expected to take several months.

Gonzales's Response and Admission

Rep. Gonzales's public stance evolved over time:

  • Initially, he denied the affair allegations, characterizing them as a "political smear" and claiming he was being blackmailed. He referenced an email from an attorney for Santos-Aviles' husband discussing a potential lawsuit.
  • Later, Gonzales admitted to a relationship with Santos-Aviles during a radio interview, stating, "I made a mistake and I had a lapse in judgment." He said he had not spoken to her since June 2024, expressed shock at her death, and denied any involvement in her passing. He stated he had reconciled with his wife.

Political Repercussions and Calls for Action

The situation prompted responses from congressional colleagues and impacted Gonzales's re-election campaign.

Calls for Resignation or Withdrawal

  • Several House Republicans, including Reps. Thomas Massie (Ky.), Lauren Boebert (Colo.), Anna Paulina Luna (Fla.), and Nancy Mace (S.C.), publicly called for Gonzales to resign.
  • Following Gonzales's admission, House GOP leadership—including Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain—issued a joint statement encouraging him to withdraw from his re-election race. Rep. Richard Hudson (N.C.), chair of the House Republican campaign arm, supported this call.

Leadership and Committee Statements

  • Speaker Mike Johnson stated the allegations were "very serious" and must be taken seriously, but emphasized the need for investigations to conclude and all facts to emerge. He did not call for Gonzales's resignation.
  • Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution to compel the House Ethics Committee to publicly release reports on sexual harassment allegations against members.

Election Impact

  • Gonzales was in a competitive Republican primary for Texas's 23rd Congressional District. He faced a primary challenge from Brandon Herrera, a gun manufacturer and influencer.
  • Gonzales failed to secure a majority in the March primary, forcing a May runoff election against Herrera. His subsequent withdrawal from the race appears to clear the field for Herrera.
  • The political arm of the House Freedom Caucus endorsed Herrera. Former President Donald Trump had endorsed Gonzales for re-election in December.

Withdrawal and Aftermath

On April 2, 2024, Rep. Gonzales announced his withdrawal from the re-election campaign, citing "deep reflection" and family support. He stated he intends to complete his current term.

  • House rules prohibit sexual relationships between lawmakers and staff they supervise.
  • Some members, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, introduced resolutions to remove Gonzales from his committee assignments. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated support for expelling Gonzales, a measure requiring a two-thirds House vote.
  • GOP leaders did not call for Gonzales's resignation. Analysts noted the Republican majority in the House is narrow.