WASHINGTON – Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) announced Thursday he will not seek reelection, a move prompted by mounting pressure from within his own party following his admission to an affair with a former staffer. Gonzales intends to serve out the remainder of his current term, despite calls for his immediate resignation.
The decision comes after House Republican leadership publicly urged Gonzales to withdraw from the runoff election scheduled for May. The controversy surrounding the affair, coupled with an ongoing ethics investigation, proved too significant for many within the GOP, particularly as they seek to maintain their slim majority in the House. The unfolding situation centers on a relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, a former staffer who tragically died by suicide in September 2025.
Gonzales first publicly acknowledged the affair on Wednesday during an interview with conservative radio host Joe Pags, describing it as a “mistake” and a “lapse in judgment.” He stated he had reconciled with his wife, Angel, and sought forgiveness. However, the admission followed the release of text messages obtained by CBS News showing explicit exchanges between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles, including a request for a “sexy pic” in May 2024. Santos-Aviles responded to one message, stating, “This is going too far boss.” CBS News reported on the content of these exchanges.
Ethics Investigation and GOP Response
The House Ethics Committee initiated an investigation into Gonzales’ conduct earlier this week, focusing on allegations of sexual misconduct and potential misuse of privileges. NBC News detailed the committee’s concerns, which include whether Gonzales engaged in inappropriate behavior with an employee and unfairly favored certain individuals.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Steve Emmer, and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain released a joint statement calling on Gonzales to step aside. “Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these remarkably serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election,” the statement read. Representative Richard Hudson, chairman of the House Republican campaign arm, echoed this sentiment, stating Gonzales “should withdraw from the runoff and allow the Ethics process to move forward.”
Primary Runoff and Challenger’s Reaction
Gonzales was forced into a runoff election after failing to secure a majority of the vote in Tuesday’s primary against pro-gun activist Brandon Herrera. Herrera reacted swiftly to Gonzales’ admission, accusing him of dishonesty. “2 weeks ago this man called me a liar because I accused him of committing the heinous acts that he just publicly admitted to doing. Is there anyone left who still trusts this now objectively proven liar?” Herrera posted on social media, according to CBS News.
Gonzales maintained in his interview that he had no involvement in the tragic death of Santos-Aviles, expressing shock at her passing. However, the circumstances surrounding her death and the nature of their relationship continue to draw scrutiny. Her death was ruled a suicide.
Looking Ahead
The withdrawal of Gonzales from the race significantly alters the political landscape in Texas’s 23rd congressional district. The Republican party will now need to rally behind a new candidate to ensure they retain the seat in the upcoming general election. The Ethics Committee investigation will continue, and its findings could have further implications for Gonzales’s future. The focus now shifts to the runoff election between Herrera and whoever the party chooses to support, and the broader implications for the GOP’s efforts to maintain control of the House.
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