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By Matthew Robinson and Jordan King
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Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas has dropped his reelection bid after admitting that he had an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide.
Tony Gonzales Full Statement:
In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, Gonzales wrote: "At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. During my 20 years in the military and three terms in Congress, I have fought for that cause with absolute dedication to the country that I love.
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"From overcoming the border crisis to taking a stand with my communities after the worst school shooting in Texas' history, my philosophy has never changed: Do as much as you can, and always fight for the greater good.
"After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful. God has a plan for all of us.”
What To Know
The congressman has faced escalating pressure from House Republican leaders, with the House Ethics Committee opening an investigation into whether he engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee or dispensed special favors or privileges.
On Tuesday, Gonzales failed to secure 50 percent of the vote in the Republican primary for Texas' 23rd Congressional District, receiving 41.7 percent to challenger Brandon Herrera's 43.3 percent. As no candidate won a majority, the race was headed to a May runoff that early betting markets gave Herrera a 91 percent chance of winning. Gonzales' exit has reshaped the key Texas race.
Gonzales, a married father of six who has represented Texas' 23rd Congressional District since 2021, acknowledged his affair with a former aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, for the first time in an interview on Wednesday.
"I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions," he said.
"Since then, I've reconciled with my wife, Angel. I've asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever," the congressman continued.
Under House ethics rules, a lawmaker may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House under their supervision.
Santos-Aviles, 35, died in September after setting herself on fire in the backyard of her home in Uvalde, Texas. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office later ruled her death a suicide.
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What People Are Saying
Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas said in an interview on Wednesday: "The facts are I hadn't spoken with Miss Santos since June of 2024. She passed September of 2025. That was over a year ago. So this is what I think is important as well, is this whole notion that I had anything to do with her death. I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing, and in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else was."
House Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest and Ranking Member Mark DeSaulnier said in a joint statement on Wednesday: "The Committee voted to establish an Investigative Subcommittee. Pursuant to the Committee's action, at this time, the Investigative Subcommittee shall have jurisdiction to determine whether Representative Tony Gonzales violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties or the discharge of his responsibilities, with respect to allegations that he may have: (1) engaged in sexual misconduct toward an individual employed in his congressional office; and/or (2) discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges."
What Happens Next
Gonzales is set to serve out the remainder of his term, which ends in January, while the House Ethics Committee continues its investigation.
The general election in Texas' 23rd District is scheduled for November 3.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
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