Rep. Tony Gonzales Withdraws from Re-election Amid Ethics Probe and Affair Admission

Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas has announced his withdrawal from his re-election campaign following his admission of an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide. The decision comes amidst an ongoing investigation by the House Ethics Committee into his conduct and calls from fellow congressional Republicans and House leadership for him to end his campaign. Gonzales has stated his intention to complete his current term in Congress.

Initial Allegations and Staffer's Death

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old married mother and former congressional staffer, died by suicide in September 2023 after setting herself on fire. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a suicide.

Reports surfaced detailing alleged sexually explicit text messages exchanged between Representative Gonzales and Santos-Aviles. Some messages, reportedly sent in May 2023, included requests for intimate photos. NPR and The Associated Press have not independently verified these messages.

Gonzales initially denied the affair allegations, characterizing them as a political smear and blackmail. He suggested he was the target of "coordinated political attacks" and claimed "not all the facts" were public. An email from Robert Barrera, an attorney for Santos-Aviles's husband, Adrian Aviles, discussed a potential lawsuit and settlement, including a nondisclosure agreement, with a maximum recoverable amount of $300,000. Barrera denied attempting blackmail, stating Gonzales's claim aimed to portray him as a political victim. Gonzales, who is married with six children, later stated he had not spoken to Santos-Aviles since June 2024.

Calls for Action and Primary Election Context

Several House Republicans publicly called for Gonzales to resign or withdraw from his re-election campaign. These included Texas Reps. Brandon Gill and Chip Roy, Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert, South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, and Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie.

House Speaker Mike Johnson described the allegations as "very serious" but emphasized the importance of allowing investigations to proceed and all facts to become clear before drawing conclusions. He stated that accusations alone should not be the sole basis for removal from Congress. Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution aimed at compelling the House Ethics Commission to publicly release reports and records related to sexual harassment allegations against members of Congress. Gonzales initially stated he would not resign.

In the March 3 Republican primary, Gonzales secured a spot in a May runoff election against challenger Brandon Herrera, a gun manufacturer and influencer. The House Freedom Caucus, which had previously criticized Gonzales's conservative credentials, endorsed Herrera. Former President Donald Trump had endorsed Gonzales for re-election in December 2023.

Widower's Public Statements and Ethics Probe Initiation

Adrian Aviles, Santos-Aviles's widower, publicly stated that he learned of the alleged affair before his wife's death and that his marriage deteriorated as a result, leading to his wife experiencing a depressive episode. Aviles asserted that Gonzales "played a role" in his wife's death by "predatorizing" her and contributing to the affair. Aviles also stated he possessed additional text messages but would not release more "graphic" ones to protect his son, denying any political motivation for their release.

The House Ethics Committee initiated a formal investigation into Gonzales. A subcommittee was established to investigate 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." House rules prohibit sexual relationships between lawmakers and their staff under their supervision.

Admission and Withdrawal from Reelection

Following the initiation of the ethics probe and continued pressure from within his party, Gonzales admitted to an affair with the former staffer. During a public appearance, he stated, "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 denied any involvement in her passing.

House Republican leadership, including Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, jointly urged Gonzales to withdraw from his re-election campaign. Rep. Richard Hudson, chairman of the House Republican campaign arm, supported this call.

Gonzales subsequently announced his withdrawal from his re-election bid. In a statement posted to X, he cited "deep reflection" and family support for his decision. He indicated his intention to complete his current term in Congress. Gonzales stated he had reconciled with his wife, Angel, and welcomed the opportunity to present all facts to the Ethics Committee. House GOP leadership urged the committee to act expeditiously.

His withdrawal clears the field for Brandon Herrera in the May runoff election. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated support for potentially expelling Gonzales from the House, a measure that would require a two-thirds vote. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna also introduced resolutions to remove Gonzales from his House committee assignments and to censure him.