Rep. Tony Gonzales drops reelection bid amid calls to drop out after admitting relationship with staffer

The embattled Texas congressman announced he will not seek re-election following calls from House Republican leadership to withdraw from the race.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, announced he will no longer seek reelection in the state's 23rd Congressional District, following calls from House Republican leadership to drop out of the race after the congressman admitted to having a relationship with a staffer. Gonzales' announcement came the same day House Republican leadership asked him to withdraw from the race, citing an ongoing ethics investigation into his conduct.

Why it matters

The allegations against Gonzales, including claims of sexual misconduct and unfair treatment of a staffer, have raised serious concerns within the Republican Party about the congressman's behavior and fitness for office. His decision to drop his reelection bid comes as a blow to the GOP, which was hoping to retain the seat.

The details

Gonzales admitted to having a relationship with his former district director, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide in 2025. The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into the allegations, which include claims that Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct and unfairly dispensed special favors or privileges. Gonzales initially denied the relationship with Santos-Aviles but later acknowledged a 'lapse in judgment' and said he has 'reconciled with my wife Angel'.

  • On Tuesday, March 5, 2026, Gonzales advanced to a runoff primary election on May 26 against conservative activist Brandon Herrera.
  • On Wednesday, March 6, 2026, Gonzales spoke with talk show host Joe 'Pags' Pagliarulo and admitted to the relationship with his former staffer.
  • On Thursday, March 7, 2026, House Republican leadership called on Gonzales to withdraw from the race, and Gonzales announced he would not seek re-election.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman representing Texas' 23rd Congressional District who announced he will not seek re-election after admitting to a relationship with a former staffer.

Regina Santos-Aviles

Gonzales' former district director who died by suicide in 2025, while still employed in Gonzales' office.

House Republican Leadership

A group of top House Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Republican Whip Tom Emmer, and Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, who called on Gonzales to withdraw from the race.

Brandon Herrera

A conservative activist who advanced to a runoff primary election against Gonzales on May 26.

Angel Gonzales

Rep. Tony Gonzales' wife, with whom he says he has reconciled after his 'lapse in judgment'.

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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. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (X)

“The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzales's conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously. Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election.”

— House Republican Leadership (Joint Statement)

“Politically, that's a death penalty.”

— House Speaker Mike Johnson (Reporters)

“I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions. Since then, I've reconciled with my wife Angel. I've asked God to forgive me, which he has. And my faith is as strong as ever.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Joe 'Pags' Pagliarulo)

“You're always going to have political enemies. I don't speak with those two on a regular basis, that we operate in different ... groups, if you will. But what I will say is you can never let those people slow you down in any form or fashion.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Joe 'Pags' Pagliarulo)

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee will continue its investigation into the allegations against Rep. Tony Gonzales, and the Republican Party will need to find a new candidate to run in the 23rd Congressional District of Texas.

The takeaway

The downfall of Rep. Tony Gonzales highlights the ongoing challenges the Republican Party faces in addressing allegations of misconduct and maintaining ethical standards among its members. The party's call for Gonzales to withdraw from the race, rather than resign outright, underscores the difficult political calculus involved in these types of situations.