House GOP Leaders Urge Texas Rep. Gonzales to End Reelection Bid After Affair Admission

Gonzales acknowledged relationship with former aide who later died by suicide, prompting ethics probe and calls for his withdrawal

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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 announced their decision a day after Gonzales acknowledged the relationship, which has sparked an ethics investigation and growing pressure for him to step aside.

Why it matters

The scandal surrounding Rep. Gonzales has upended the political landscape in his home state and in Washington, with the Republican leadership facing difficult decisions about maintaining their slim House majority. The allegations also raise questions about potential misconduct and abuse of power by an elected official.

The details

Gonzales, a third-term Republican congressman, admitted to having a relationship with Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, a former staff member. Santos-Aviles later died by suicide in September 2025. The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into Gonzales' conduct. Under House rules, lawmakers are prohibited from engaging in sexual relationships with employees they supervise.

  • Gonzales acknowledged the affair on March 4, 2026.
  • The House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into Gonzales' conduct on March 4, 2026.
  • Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2025.

The players

Mike Johnson

House Speaker and a Republican from Louisiana.

Tony Gonzales

Republican Congressman from Texas who is facing calls to withdraw from his reelection race.

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles

Former staff member of Rep. Gonzales who died by suicide in September 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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 reelection.”

— Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Whip Tom Emmer, and GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, House Republican Leadership

“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.”

— Tony Gonzales (The Joe Pags Show)

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee is expected to act expeditiously in investigating the allegations against Rep. Gonzales.

The takeaway

This scandal highlights the complex ethical issues that can arise when elected officials abuse their power and engage in inappropriate relationships with staff. The Republican leadership's call for Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for his political future.