Republican leaders of the House of Representatives have asked Rep. Tony Gonzales to withdraw from reelection after the March 3 primary sent him to a runoff.
Unearthed text messages showed Gonzales’ former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, claiming an affair with the married Republican, who represents Congressional District 23 in South Texas, as The Dallas Express reported. Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after being found on fire outside her home.
The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation on March 4 into Gonzales’ conduct while in office.
“We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues,” House GOP leadership said March 4, according to the Texas Tribune. “In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for reelection.”
After the news initially broke, Gonzales claimed the staffer’s husband tried to blackmail him.
The March 3 primary left Gonzales trailing Herrera by 41.73% to 43.33%. The candidates are now preparing for a runoff election on May 26, and the winner will face Democrat Katy Padilla Stout in the general election.
On March 4, Gonzales publicly admitted to the affair on the Joe Pags Show.
“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. When you make mistakes like this, it’s never easy; it humbles you.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to be able to provide all the facts and all the details that led to exactly what occurred,” he added.
Gonzales defended himself in the interview, claiming no responsibility for Santos-Aviles’ suicide. He pointed to the police report, which reportedly suggested the staffer was also upset about other difficulties in her personal life.
“Absolutely nothing to do with it,” Gonzales said. “You cannot hate the media enough.”
Gonzales also allegedly had nothing to do with attending the staffer’s funeral, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
During the interview, Gonzales called the political criticism a “very coordinated attack” with “lots of money involved.”
“I will take responsibility for my actions,” he said.
Gonzales had not yet resigned or announced his withdrawal at the time of publication.
