Rep. Tony Gonzales Withdraws from Re-Election Amid Ethics Investigation into Staff Affair
Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, confirmed Thursday evening that he will not pursue re-election, opting instead to complete his current term in Congress. This decision follows a series of challenging weeks for the congressman, who publicly acknowledged an affair with a staff member who tragically died by suicide.
"After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district," Gonzales stated on X.
Earlier that day, Republican leadership expressed their disapproval of Gonzales's situation. Speaker Mike Johnson, leading a slim GOP majority in the House, urged him to retire at the end of his term but did not call for an immediate resignation.
In a joint statement, Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain pressed the Ethics Committee to “act expeditiously.”
“We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election,” they noted.
Richard Hudson, Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, supported this sentiment, stating: “Tony should withdraw from the runoff and allow the Ethics process to move forward while focusing on his family and serving his constituents for the remainder of his term.”
The House Ethics Committee announced on Wednesday that it would initiate an investigation into Gonzales. Previously, the Office of Congressional Conduct had been investigating him, with findings expected to be submitted to the Ethics Committee on Wednesday. The delay in reporting was due to the investigation concluding within 60 days of Gonzales’s primary election in Texas.
The publication of the Ethics Committee’s findings will depend on the timing of its completion. Since the committee only investigates sitting lawmakers, any ongoing inquiry could be abruptly halted if it extends beyond Gonzales’s term.
Gonzales was facing off against pro-gun candidate Brandon Herrera in the re-election bid. Neither candidate secured over 50% of the vote in the primary held on Tuesday, resulting in a runoff scheduled for May 26.
In response to Gonzales's withdrawal, Herrera's campaign manager Kimmie Gonzalez released a statement from Herrera: “I appreciate Tony Gonzales for making the appropriate decision. I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves — from the border, to oil theft, water rights, data centers, and many other issues. It’s an honor to be chosen and together we will make Texas proud.”
During a podcast interview on Wednesday, Gonzales admitted to the affair with former aide Regina Santos-Aviles, stating: “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 also mentioned that he and his wife have “reconciled.”
Reports indicate that Gonzales and Santos-Aviles exchanged sexual texts in 2024, which were confirmed by Santos-Aviles’s widower, Adrian Aviles.
Gonzales's choice to fulfill his term is significant for House Republicans, who are currently facing a precarious situation with their slim four-seat majority over Democrats. This narrow margin means they can afford to lose only one member during party-line votes.
