U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales Drops Re-election Bid After Admitting Affair, Facing House Ethics Investigation

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Tex.) announced he will not seek reelection after acknowledging an extramarital affair with a former district staffer.

“House Republican leaders on Thursday called on Rep”

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He said he will serve out the remainder of his current term.

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Multiple outlets report he admitted the relationship, apologized, said he has reconciled with his wife, and pledged to cooperate with investigators as he finishes his term in Congress.

Reporting across outlets details the staffer, Regina Santos‑Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025.

Her alleged text messages prompted scrutiny.

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Gonzales initially denied the reports, calling them blackmail.

He later acknowledged the affair on a March 4 podcast, apologized, and described the episode as a lapse in judgment.

He said he had "absolutely nothing" to do with her death and that he and his wife have reconciled.

The House Ethics Committee has opened a bipartisan investigation into whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee or improperly granted favors or privileges.

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The nonpartisan Office of Congressional Ethics said it had "substantial reason to believe" he had a sexual relationship with a subordinate that may have violated House rules.

The committee vote to open a probe and the OCE's finding together escalated official scrutiny.

Gonzales had advanced to a GOP runoff in Texas’s 23rd District and was headed to a May 26 runoff against gun-rights influencer Brandon Herrera.

With Gonzales withdrawing, outlets report Herrera will advance to the general election to face Democrat Katy Padilla Stout.

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That development alters the dynamics in a competitively contested district.

One account noted Herrera had outpaced Gonzales in the primary vote totals.

GOP leaders publicly urged Gonzales to withdraw from the race, with Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and other top Republicans pressing him to step aside.

“Lisa Mascaro, Associated PressLisa Mascaro, Associated Press Kevin Freking, Associated PressKevin Freking, Associated Press Leave your feedback WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson and the GOP leadership are calling for Republican Rep”

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Some Republicans emphasized leaving the decision to voters and protecting the House majority.

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Rep. Anna Paulina Luna filed measures seeking to censure Gonzales and strip him of committee assignments.

Gonzales said he would cooperate with the probe but will finish his term rather than resign.