Texas Rep. Gonzales Faces Primary Challenge Amid Affair Allegations

Gonzales denies misconduct claims as voters weigh personal conduct against political positions

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas' 23rd Congressional District is facing a primary challenge from Brandon Herrera, a YouTube pro-gun influencer, amid allegations of an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide. The allegations, published by the San Antonio Express News, have resonated with some voters, though Gonzales has denied the claims, characterizing them as a political attack. The outcome of the primary could impact the general election, with Democrats seeing an opportunity if Gonzales is damaged or if Herrera, considered too extreme, wins the nomination.

Why it matters

The 23rd Congressional District is a key battleground, stretching 800 miles along the U.S.-Mexico border. The allegations against Gonzales have shaken the community, still grappling with the trauma of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting. The primary challenge introduces significant political complexity, as voters must weigh personal conduct allegations against a candidate's political positions and priorities.

The details

The controversy stems from allegations published by the San Antonio Express News regarding an affair between Gonzales and former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who took her own life in September. The Express News reported the existence of explicit text messages allegedly showing Gonzales pressuring Santos-Aviles for sex, though these messages have not been independently verified. Gonzales has denied the affair, characterizing the allegations as a political attack.

  • The allegations were published in early March 2026, ahead of the primary election on March 3rd.
  • Regina Santos-Aviles, a former staffer for Gonzales, took her own life in September 2025.

The players

Tony Gonzales

Republican U.S. Representative for Texas' 23rd Congressional District, facing a primary challenge amid allegations of an affair with a former staffer.

Brandon Herrera

A YouTube pro-gun influencer who is challenging Gonzales in the Republican primary for the 23rd Congressional District.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A former staffer for Rep. Tony Gonzales who took her own life in September 2025, sparking allegations of an affair with Gonzales.

Ricky Gimmler

A resident of Uvalde, Texas, who stated he could no longer support Gonzales after learning about the situation involving Santos-Aviles.

Diana Oviedo Caru

A resident of Uvalde, Texas, who expressed that the news of Santos-Aviles' death shook the community, which is still grappling with the trauma of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is now irrefutable that Tony Gonzales is a wicked man and must be removed.”

— Brandon Herrera (newsy-today.com)

“I'm not going to resign. I work every day for the people of Texas.”

— Tony Gonzales (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The outcome of the primary election on March 3rd could open an opportunity for Democrats in the 23rd Congressional District. If Gonzales wins the primary, he may face rejection from general election voters. Conversely, if Herrera wins, his positions on gun rights may prove unpopular with a broader electorate.

The takeaway

This primary challenge highlights the complex interplay between personal conduct allegations and political priorities for voters in the 23rd Congressional District. The outcome could have significant implications for the general election, with both parties closely watching the race.