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

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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House Republican leaders 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, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, has urged Gonzales to address the "very serious allegations" directly with his constituents and colleagues, while the House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into his conduct.

Why it matters

The scandal has upturned the political landscape in Texas and Washington, with several Republicans already calling for Gonzales to step aside. The GOP is struggling to maintain its slim majority in the House, making this a high-stakes issue for the party's leadership.

The details

Gonzales, a third-term Republican congressman, acknowledged the relationship with former aide Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in 2025. The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into Gonzales' conduct, as House rules prohibit lawmakers from engaging in sexual relationships with employees under their supervision.

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

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 bid after admitting to an affair with a former staff member.

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles

A former staff member of Congressman Gonzales who died by suicide in 2025.

Steve Scalise

House Majority Leader.

Tom Emmer

House Minority Whip.

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What they’re saying

“We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues.”

— Mike Johnson, Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer, Lisa McClain, House Republican Leadership (wbal.com)

“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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee has been urged by GOP leadership to 'act expeditiously' in its investigation into Congressman Gonzales' conduct.

The takeaway

This scandal has shaken the political landscape in Texas and Washington, with the GOP leadership calling for Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid. The party is struggling to maintain its slim majority in the House, making this a high-stakes issue that could have broader implications for the Republican Party.