Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales drops out of runoff race after admitting affair

Gonzales announced he will not seek reelection after facing calls to resign over affair with ex-aide who later died by suicide

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) announced he will no longer seek reelection, one day after admitting to an extramarital affair with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later fatally set herself on fire. Gonzales faced mounting calls to resign from Congress, even within his own party, after text messages surfaced showing he pressed Santos-Aviles for "sexy" images. The House Ethics Committee is also investigating Gonzales over claims he "engaged in sexual misconduct" with a staffer and "discriminated unfairly" by "dispensing special favors or privileges."

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of power dynamics and accountability in political offices, as well as the tragic human toll when such issues are mishandled. The fallout from Gonzales' affair and the death of his former staffer raise broader questions about workplace ethics, the treatment of political aides, and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable employees.

The details

Gonzales, a 45-year-old married father of six, admitted to the affair with 35-year-old Regina Santos-Aviles, a former staffer, in an interview on "The Joe Pags Show" on Wednesday. Santos-Aviles, a married mother of one, died by suicide in September 2025 after fatally setting herself on fire in the backyard of her Uvalde home. Her widower, Adrian Aviles, has accused Gonzales of "abusing his power" through the affair with his subordinate.

  • On March 6, 2026, Gonzales announced he will no longer seek reelection.
  • On March 5, 2026, Gonzales admitted to the extramarital affair with his former staffer.
  • On September 13, 2025, Regina Santos-Aviles set herself on fire in the backyard of her Uvalde home.
  • On September 14, 2025, Regina Santos-Aviles died from the severe burns she suffered.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A 45-year-old Republican congressman from Texas's 23rd District who announced he will not seek reelection after admitting to an affair with a former staffer.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A 35-year-old former staffer of Rep. Gonzales who fatally set herself on fire in 2025 after the affair came to light.

Adrian Aviles

The widower of Regina Santos-Aviles, who has accused Rep. Gonzales of "abusing his power" through the affair with his subordinate.

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What they’re saying

“After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (nypost.com)

“I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (nypost.com)

“Gonzales 'abused his power' by engaging in the affair with his subordinate.”

— Adrian Aviles, Regina Santos-Aviles' widower (nypost.com)

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee is investigating Gonzales over the claims that he "engaged in sexual misconduct" with a staffer and "discriminated unfairly" by "dispensing special favors or privileges."

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of power dynamics and accountability in political offices, as well as the tragic human toll when such issues are mishandled. The fallout from Gonzales' affair and the death of his former staffer raise broader questions about workplace ethics, the treatment of political aides, and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable employees.