Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales Won't Seek Re-election After Texts Emerge

Gonzales faced bipartisan calls to step down after texts showed pursuit of staffer who later died by suicide

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, announced he will not seek re-election amid growing bipartisan outcry over text messages that emerged showing his pursuit of a female staff member, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about the power dynamics and potential abuse of authority in congressional offices, as well as the need for stronger policies and support systems to protect staff members from harassment and misconduct by elected officials.

The details

According to a lawyer for Ms. Santos-Aviles' husband, Mr. Gonzales sent 'sexual texts' to Ms. Santos-Aviles in 2024 and sought a relationship with her while she was working in his district office in Uvalde, Texas. A fellow staff member shared a text exchange with The New York Times in which Ms. Santos-Aviles told the co-worker of an 'affair with our boss.' Ms. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2025.

  • In 2024, Gonzales sent 'sexual texts' to staff member Regina Santos-Aviles and sought a relationship with her.
  • In September 2025, Santos-Aviles died by suicide.

The players

Tony Gonzales

A Texas Republican Representative who is not seeking re-election after texts emerged showing his pursuit of a staff member who later died by suicide.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A former staff member of Gonzales who worked in his district office in Uvalde, Texas, and died by suicide in 2025 after an alleged affair with Gonzales.

Bobby Barrera

The husband of Regina Santos-Aviles.

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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.”

— Tony Gonzales, Representative

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee is expected to investigate the allegations against Gonzales.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger policies and support systems to protect congressional staff from harassment and misconduct by elected officials in positions of power.