Texas Rep. Gonzales to Resign Ahead of Expulsion Vote

Congressman facing ethics probe over affair with staffer who died by suicide

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:34am

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows covering the desks and chairs, conveying a sense of melancholy and the aftermath of political scandal.The resignation of a congressman embroiled in scandal casts a somber tone over the halls of power.Gonzales Today

Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales announced he will step down from Congress before the House can vote on whether to expel him over his affair with a staff member, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. Gonzales had already said he would not run for another term after acknowledging the affair, and is now resigning ahead of the expected expulsion vote.

Why it matters

The resignation of Rep. Gonzales ahead of an expected expulsion vote highlights the ongoing ethical issues and scandals that have plagued Congress in recent years, raising questions about accountability and the ability of lawmakers to effectively serve their constituents when embroiled in personal controversies.

The details

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Gonzales stated: "There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas." Gonzales was facing increasing pressure from GOP leaders to step down following the revelation of his affair with a staff member, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide.

  • Gonzales announced his resignation on April 14, 2026.
  • The House was expected to vote on Gonzales' expulsion when Congress returned the following day.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas who announced his resignation ahead of an expected expulsion vote over an affair with a staff member.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A staff member of Rep. Gonzales who died by suicide after having an affair with the congressman.

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What they’re saying

“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales

The takeaway

The resignation of Rep. Gonzales ahead of an expected expulsion vote underscores the ongoing ethical challenges facing Congress and the need for stronger accountability measures to ensure lawmakers uphold the public trust.