Texas Rep. Gonzales Faces Calls to Resign Over Alleged Affair

Fellow GOP members demand Gonzales step down amid claims of inappropriate relationship with former staffer

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas is facing growing calls from fellow congressional Republicans to resign over a report of an alleged affair with a former staffer who later died after setting herself on fire. Representatives Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna, and Nancy Mace have all demanded that Gonzales step down immediately. Mace has also introduced a resolution to force the House Ethics Commission to publicly release reports and records of sexual harassment allegations against members of Congress.

Why it matters

The allegations against Gonzales raise serious concerns about potential misconduct and abuse of power by an elected official. The calls for his resignation from within his own party highlight the gravity of the situation and the need for transparency and accountability in Congress.

The details

According to reports, Gonzales allegedly had an affair with a former staffer named Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide in 2025. Gonzales has claimed he is being blackmailed, but the staffer's husband has denied any attempts at blackmail. The House Ethics Commission is reportedly investigating the allegations against Gonzales.

  • In September 2025, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles died by suicide after setting herself on fire in her backyard.
  • On February 24, 2026, several Republican members of Congress, including Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna, and Nancy Mace, called for Gonzales to resign.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A U.S. Congressman from Texas who is facing calls to resign over allegations of an affair with a former staffer.

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles

A former staffer of Rep. Gonzales who died by suicide in 2025 after setting herself on fire.

Adrian Aviles

The husband of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who has denied any attempts at blackmailing Rep. Gonzales.

Rep. Thomas Massie

A Republican member of Congress from Kentucky who has called for Rep. Gonzales to resign.

Rep. Nancy Mace

A Republican member of Congress from South Carolina who has called for Rep. Gonzales to resign and has introduced a resolution to force the House Ethics Commission to publicly release reports and records of sexual harassment allegations against members of Congress.

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What they’re saying

“Where are the other men in the GOP?”

— Rep. Thomas Massie, U.S. Representative from Kentucky (X)

“If the accusation of something is going to be the litmus for someone being able to continue to serve in the House, a lot of people would have to resign or be removed or expelled from Congress.”

— Rep. Mike Johnson, House Speaker (sfgate.com)

What’s next

The House Ethics Commission is expected to continue its investigation into the allegations against Rep. Gonzales, and the results of that investigation could determine his political future.

The takeaway

The calls for Rep. Gonzales to resign over the alleged affair with a former staffer highlight the ongoing challenges of addressing misconduct and abuse of power in Congress. This case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability within the legislative branch.