Texas Rep. Gonzales Resists Calls to Resign Over Alleged Affair

Gonzales faces growing pressure from fellow Republicans to step down amid allegations of an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas is resisting 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. Gonzales has denied the allegations, claiming he is being blackmailed, but some Republicans have demanded he step down immediately.

Why it matters

The allegations against Gonzales come as he faces a tough Republican primary challenge on March 3. The fallout could impact the narrow Republican majority in the House of Representatives, as a resignation would trigger a special election that could shift the balance of power until the new Congress is seated.

The details

The allegations stem from text messages obtained by the San Antonio Express-News, in which the former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, allegedly wrote to a colleague that she had an affair with Gonzales. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2025 after setting herself on fire. Gonzales has denied the allegations and claimed he is being blackmailed, but some fellow Republicans, including Reps. Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna, and Nancy Mace, have called for him to resign immediately.

  • Gonzales defeated his primary challenger, Brandon Herrera, by fewer than 400 votes in their 2024 GOP runoff.
  • Regina Ann Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2025.
  • Gonzales is facing a tough Republican primary challenge on March 3, 2026.

The players

Tony Gonzales

U.S. Representative from Texas who is resisting calls to resign over allegations of an affair with a former staffer.

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles

A former staffer of Gonzales who allegedly had an affair with the congressman and died by suicide in 2025.

Brandon Herrera

Gonzales' main primary opponent, a gun manufacturer and gun rights influencer known as "the AK Guy" on YouTube.

Mike Johnson

House Speaker who said he will talk to Gonzales and that "not all the facts" have been seen.

Thomas Massie

Republican Congressman from Kentucky who has called for Gonzales to resign.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There will be opportunities for all of the details and facts to come out. What you've seen is not all the facts.”

— Mike Johnson, House Speaker (pbs.org)

“Where are the other men in the GOP?”

— Thomas Massie (X)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.