WASHINGTON — Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales of Texas announced late Thursday that he will not run for re-election, following revelations about an affair with a former staff member who tragically took her own life. Despite stepping down from the race, Gonzales affirmed his commitment to complete his current term in Congress.
Calls for Gonzales to withdraw from the race intensified after he confirmed the relationship during a radio interview earlier this week. House Speaker Mike Johnson, along with other GOP leadership, publicly requested that he cease his reelection campaign amidst an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into his behavior.
Gonzales’ Statement and GOP Reaction
“After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election,” Gonzales stated on his X account. His decision follows pressure from various factions within the GOP, who expressed concerns about the impact of the scandal on their party.
Johnson and senior GOP members encouraged Gonzales to address the troubling allegations directly with his constituents, stating, “Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for reelection.” The situation has prompted considerable discussion among party lawmakers, with some calling for his resignation and others initiating punitive measures against him.
Investigation and Upcoming Challenges
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida introduced two resolutions aimed at penalizing Gonzales, including one that seeks to remove him from his positions on the House Appropriations and Homeland Security committees. Additionally, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has suggested that Gonzales could face expulsion from Congress, a process requiring a two-thirds vote in the House.
The affair involved Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old former aide who died by suicide in September 2025, shortly after setting herself on fire in her backyard in Uvalde, Texas. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the ruling as a suicide. Gonzales acknowledged the affair, referring to it as a “mistake” and a “lapse in judgment,” and expressed deep remorse for his actions.
In a recent interview, Gonzales distanced himself from Santos-Aviles’s tragic death, stating, “I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing.” He maintained that he had not communicated with her since June 2024, emphasizing his shock upon learning of her death.
Gonzales has also shared that he is working to reconcile with his wife, Angel, and has sought forgiveness from God. He expressed his readiness for the impending investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which is tasked with evaluating breaches of conduct among lawmakers.
Under House regulations, members are prohibited from having sexual relationships with any staff under their supervision, making Gonzales’ admission particularly significant.
The increasing scrutiny surrounding Gonzales reflects the fragile dynamics within the Republican party, particularly as they cling to a slim majority in the House. The leadership’s reluctance to demand his immediate resignation illustrates the political complexities at play as the party navigates the fallout from this scandal.
As Gonzales transitions away from the election campaign, the focus will now shift towards the Ethics Committee’s findings and their potential implications for the congressman and the broader GOP landscape.
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