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Gonzales Today
By the People, for the People
Rep. Gonzales Drops Reelection Bid After Admitting Affair
The Texas lawmaker faced allegations of an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas has dropped his reelection bid after acknowledging a 'lapse in judgment' related to allegations he had an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide. Gonzales did not address the specific allegations in his statement, but spoke briefly about the issue, saying he made a mistake, lacked faith, and has since reconciled with his wife and asked God for forgiveness.
Why it matters
The allegations against Gonzales, and his decision to drop his reelection bid, raise questions about ethics and accountability in politics, particularly around relationships between lawmakers and their staff. The tragic death of Gonzales' former staffer also highlights the need for greater mental health support and resources in congressional offices.
The details
Gonzales was set to face off against YouTuber and gun rights activist Brandon Herrera in May in a primary runoff for Texas's 23rd congressional seat, after the two candidates each fell short of 50% in the Republican primary earlier this week. House Republican leaders had urged Gonzales on Thursday to abandon his reelection bid following his admission, and the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into him over potential violations of the code of conduct, which he said he welcomed.
- Gonzales dropped his reelection bid on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
- Gonzales was set to face off against Brandon Herrera in a primary runoff in May 2026.
The players
Rep. Tony Gonzales
A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 23rd congressional district who has dropped his reelection bid after acknowledging a 'lapse in judgment' related to allegations of an affair with a former staffer.
Brandon Herrera
A YouTuber and gun rights activist who was set to face off against Gonzales in a Republican primary runoff for Texas's 23rd congressional seat.
Regina Ann Santos-Aviles
A former staffer of Gonzales who died by suicide, leading to allegations of an affair between her and the congressman.
What they’re saying
“After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek reelection while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district.”
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (X)
“I made a mistake. I had a lapse in judgment. There was a lack of faith. And I take full responsibility for those actions.”
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Conservative radio host Joe Pags)
What’s next
The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into Gonzales over potential violations of the code of conduct, which he has said he welcomes.
The takeaway
This case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in political offices, as well as the importance of providing robust mental health support and resources for congressional staff. The tragic death of Gonzales' former staffer underscores the human toll that can result from ethical lapses in power dynamics between lawmakers and their staff.
