WASHINGTON — Tony Gonzales, a Republican congressman from Texas, announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election after admitting to an extramarital affair with a staff member who died by suicide.
Gonzales, a married father of six, confirmed the relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, who died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire near her home in Uvalde, Texas. Authorities ruled her death a suicide.
The announcement follows a joint statement from senior Republican congressional leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Congresswoman Lisa McClain, urging Gonzales to end his campaign amid the allegations.
Gonzales had previously denied the affair, calling the claims “blackmail” and a “coordinated” effort to unseat him. His admission came hours before the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into whether he “engaged in sexual misconduct” with a staff member.
In a statement posted on X, Gonzales said, “After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election.” He also told conservative podcaster Joe Pags that Santos-Aviles’ death was unrelated to the affair, saying she had been “thriving” at work and that he was “shocked just as much as everyone else.”
The decision comes days after Gonzales failed to secure enough votes to advance as the Republican nominee for the upcoming midterm congressional elections.
