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Gonzales Today
By the People, for the People
House GOP Leaders Urge Texas Rep. Gonzales to End Reelection Bid After Affair Admission
Republican leadership stops short of calling for Gonzales' resignation as they struggle to maintain slim House majority.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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House Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, are calling for Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas to withdraw from his reelection race after he admitted to having an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide. The GOP leadership did not demand Gonzales' resignation, as they aim to maintain their narrow majority in the House.
Why it matters
The scandal surrounding Rep. Gonzales has upended the political landscape in his home state of Texas and in Washington, D.C. The Republican leadership's decision not to call for his resignation reflects their delicate position as they seek to preserve their slim control of the House of Representatives.
The details
Gonzales, a third-term Republican congressman, acknowledged the affair with former aide Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in 2025. The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into Gonzales' conduct, which is prohibited under House rules. GOP leaders have urged Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection race, but have stopped short of demanding his resignation, as they struggle to maintain their narrow majority in the House.
- On March 4, 2026, Gonzales admitted to the affair on a radio show.
- On March 5, 2026, House Republican leaders called for Gonzales to end his reelection bid.
- In September 2025, Gonzales' former aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, died by suicide.
The players
Rep. Tony Gonzales
A third-term Republican congressman from Texas who admitted to having an affair with a former staff member.
Regina Ann Santos-Aviles
A former staff member of Rep. Gonzales who died by suicide in 2025.
Rep. Mike Johnson
The Republican Speaker of the House who is leading the call for Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid.
Rep. Steve Scalise
The Republican Majority Leader in the House.
Rep. Tom Emmer
The Republican Whip in the House.
What they’re saying
“In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for reelection.”
— House Republican Leaders (pbs.org)
“We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues.”
— House Republican Leaders (pbs.org)
“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.”
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (pbs.org)
What’s next
The House Ethics Committee is expected to act quickly in investigating the allegations against Rep. Gonzales.
The takeaway
The scandal surrounding Rep. Gonzales has put the Republican leadership in a delicate position as they seek to maintain their slim majority in the House. Their decision not to call for his resignation reflects the political realities they are facing, even as they urge him to withdraw from his reelection bid.
