House GOP Calls on Rep. Gonzales to End Re-Election Campaign

Gonzales admits to affair with former staffer who later died by suicide

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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House Republican leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, called on Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, to end his re-election race after he admitted to an affair with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide in 2024. Gonzales had previously denied the affair, but acknowledged it as a "lapse in judgement" and a "mistake." The House Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into the matter.

Why it matters

The scandal surrounding Rep. Gonzales' affair and the subsequent death of his former staffer raises serious questions about ethics and accountability in Congress. It also highlights the need for stronger policies and support systems to address issues like workplace misconduct and mental health within political offices.

The details

Gonzales had been denying the affair with Santos-Aviles for months, but on Wednesday night he acknowledged the tryst as a "lapse in judgement" and a "mistake." The House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into the matter earlier that day. Gonzales said he will fully cooperate with the investigation and has reconciled with his wife, Angel.

  • In 2024, Gonzales had an affair with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, who later that year died by suicide after setting herself on fire.
  • On Wednesday, the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into Gonzales over the affair.
  • On Thursday, House Republican leadership called on Gonzales to end his re-election campaign.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican Congressman from Texas who admitted to an affair with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A 35-year-old former staffer of Rep. Gonzales who died by suicide in 2024 after having an affair with the Congressman.

Mike Johnson

The Speaker of the House of Representatives and a member of the Republican leadership who called on Gonzales to end his re-election campaign.

Steve Scalise

The House Majority Leader and a member of the Republican leadership who called on Gonzales to end his re-election campaign.

Tom Emmer

The House Majority Whip and a member of the Republican leadership who called on Gonzales to end his re-election campaign.

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What they’re saying

“Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation.”

— Mike Johnson, House Speaker (Axios, The New York Times, The Washington Post)

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

— House Republican Leadership (Axios, The New York Times, The Washington Post)

“I take full responsibility for those actions. Since then, I have reconciled with my wife, Angel, and I've asked God to forgive me — which he has — and my faith is as strong as ever.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Rep. Gonzales to remain on the ballot for the May 23 runoff election.

The takeaway

This scandal surrounding Rep. Gonzales highlights the need for stronger ethics policies and accountability measures in Congress to address issues like workplace misconduct and the mental health challenges faced by political staffers. It also raises questions about the public's trust in elected officials and the integrity of the political process.