WASHINGTON — U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales acknowledged Wednesday that he had an extra-marital affair with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide last year, calling it a “mistake” and a “lapse in judgement.”
The Texas Republican, 45, who is married with six children, made the admission during an interview on conservative podcaster Joe Pags’ show, after previously denying the relationship. His statement comes hours after the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct or provided special favors to an employee.
Santos-Aviles, who was married and served as Gonzales’ regional district director in Uvalde, Texas, died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide. Gonzales said in the interview that her death was unrelated to the affair.
The affair has prompted growing calls for Gonzales’ resignation, including from fellow Republicans such as Rep. Nancy Mace, who cited “predatory behaviour.” Gonzales is facing a May primary run-off against Brandon Herrera to secure the Republican nomination for his congressional district, which runs along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Text messages reported by CBS indicate Gonzales requested explicit photos from Santos-Aviles in 2024, and her lawyer said her mental health declined after the relationship ended. Gonzales stated he did not give Santos-Aviles special treatment compared with other staff, noting her pay increase was part of a broader staff-wide adjustment.
The Ethics Committee will investigate whether Gonzales’ conduct violated rules on sexual misconduct and staff favoritism.