Texas Lawmaker Admits Affair With Aide

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Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, has acknowledged having an extramarital affair with a staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. The House Ethics Committee is investigating whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct and improperly granted Santos-Aviles special treatment. Gonzales has denied linking her pay raise and bonus to their relationship and said he had nothing to do with her suicide, though texts appear to show him requesting "sexy pics" and sending explicit messages.

Why it matters

The scandal raises questions about abuse of power and misconduct by an elected official, as well as the potential consequences for staffers involved in such relationships. It also highlights the challenges of maintaining ethical behavior in the political sphere.

The details

Gonzales initially denied the affair for weeks but has now acknowledged it as a "mistake" and "lapse in judgment." He said he has since "reconciled" with his wife and asked for God's forgiveness, while insisting he will not resign. The Ethics Committee is examining whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct and improperly granted Santos-Aviles special treatment, such as a pay raise and bonus. Gonzales has denied linking her compensation to their relationship and said she was "thriving at work" at the time of her death.

• On Wednesday, Gonzales reversed weeks of denials and acknowledged the extramarital affair.
• The House Ethics Committee investigation is currently underway.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee will continue its investigation into whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct and improperly granted special treatment to his aide.