Rep. Tony Gonzales Advances to Runoff After Alleged Affair Scandal

Gonzales faces GOP challenger Brandon Herrera in May runoff election despite controversy over staffer's suicide.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Rep. Tony Gonzales, a three-term Republican congressman from Texas' 23rd District, has advanced to a runoff election in May after failing to secure 50% of the vote in the GOP primary. Gonzales faces challenger Brandon Herrera, a YouTuber and firearms enthusiast, in the runoff. The results come amid allegations that Gonzales had an affair with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later fatally set herself on fire. Gonzales' popularity has waned with his rural West Texas constituency due to his voting record on issues like LGBT rights and gun control.

Why it matters

The allegations against Gonzales and the fallout from the staffer's suicide have raised serious questions about his conduct and judgment, which could impact his chances of winning the runoff and the general election. The race is also significant because Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House, and Democrats could potentially flip this seat if Gonzales is weakened by the scandal.

The details

Text messages leaked between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles showed the congressman asking his staffer for "a sexy pic." Santos-Aviles' widower, Adrian Aviles, also came forward about discovering the alleged affair. Several of Gonzales' fellow House Republicans had called on him to resign in the weeks leading up to the primary. The Office of Congressional Conduct has launched an investigation into the alleged infidelity, which could be referred to the House Ethics Committee.

  • On September 13, 2025, Gonzales' former regional director, Regina Santos-Aviles, fatally lit herself on fire.
  • In November 2025, the Office of Congressional Conduct began investigating the alleged affair between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles.
  • The Texas GOP primary election was held on March 4, 2026.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A three-term Republican congressman representing Texas' 23rd Congressional District, who is facing allegations of an affair with a former staffer.

Brandon Herrera

A YouTuber and firearms enthusiast who is Gonzales' GOP challenger in the runoff election.

Regina Santos-Aviles

Gonzales' former regional director who fatally set herself on fire in September 2025, after allegedly having an affair with the congressman.

Adrian Aviles

The widower of Regina Santos-Aviles, who came forward about discovering the alleged affair between his wife and Gonzales.

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What they’re saying

“I don't feel he was doing enough for the border crisis to stop that, the red-flag laws, and then the last straw was him voting for all the LGBT stuff.”

— Former Gonzales aide (New York Post)

“My message has been primarily, you know, let's help President Trump codify the things that he's done to secure the border. Let's work on the massive financial crisis, the debt crisis we're in in this country. Let's make sure that veterans get the health care that they deserve and that they were promised, especially in such a veteran dense district like District 23.”

— Brandon Herrera, GOP challenger (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.