Texas Rep. Gonzales Faces Calls to Resign Over Harassment Allegations

Several fellow Republicans are demanding Gonzales step down after claims he had an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas is facing pressure to resign from some members of his own party after allegations that he had an affair with a former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. Text messages allegedly show Gonzales making sexually explicit comments and requests to Santos-Aviles. Gonzales has denied the affair but has not directly addressed the text messages. Several House Republicans, including Reps. Thomas Massie, Tim Burchett, Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna, and Nancy Mace, have called for Gonzales to step down or end his reelection bid.

Why it matters

The allegations against Gonzales raise serious concerns about abuse of power and misconduct by a member of Congress. The fallout could impact the upcoming Texas primary election, where Gonzales faces a tight race. The calls for his resignation also highlight ongoing issues of sexual harassment and accountability within the halls of Congress.

The details

According to reports, Santos-Aviles, who worked for Gonzales starting in 2021, died by suicide in September 2025. Her widower, Adrian Aviles, said he discovered text messages between Gonzales and his wife that were "very sexual in nature" in May 2024. Aviles alleged that Gonzales coerced Santos-Aviles into an affair and that she was "black-sheeped" and pushed out by Gonzales' office after Aviles confronted them. The newly released text messages appear to show Gonzales making inappropriate sexual comments and requests to Santos-Aviles.

  • In May 2024, Santos-Aviles' widower, Adrian Aviles, says he discovered text messages between Gonzales and his wife that were "very sexual in nature".
  • In September 2025, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles died by suicide.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman from Texas who has served in the House since January 2021 and is facing allegations of having an affair with a former staffer.

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles

A former staffer for Rep. Gonzales who died by suicide in September 2025. Allegations claim Gonzales had an affair with her.

Adrian Aviles

The widower of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who has alleged that Gonzales coerced his wife into an affair.

Rep. Thomas Massie

A Republican congressman from Kentucky who has called for Gonzales to resign.

Rep. Tim Burchett

A Republican congressman from Tennessee who has called for Gonzales to resign.

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What they’re saying

“Tony abused his power. He should have held himself to a higher standard as a congressional leader.”

— Adrian Aviles, Widower of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles (San Antonio Express-News)

“Where are the other men in the GOP? Trump is infamous for making terrible endorsements — this is one and it should be revoked.”

— Rep. Thomas Massie (X)

“Well, the legal process, of course. But I think he should do the right thing and resign.”

— Rep. Tim Burchett (Reporters)

What’s next

The House Ethics Commission is expected to investigate the allegations against Rep. Gonzales. The Texas primary election, in which Gonzales is facing a tight race, is scheduled for next week.

The takeaway

The allegations against Rep. Gonzales highlight ongoing issues of sexual misconduct and abuse of power within Congress. The calls for his resignation from fellow Republicans underscore the seriousness of the claims and the potential political fallout. This case raises questions about accountability and transparency in the halls of power.