Gonzales Exits Congress Amid Misconduct Probe

Texas Republican congressman to retire rather than face expulsion over affair, sexual solicitation allegations

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:21am

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A photorealistic painting of an empty congressional office desk in warm, golden light, with deep shadows, conveying a sense of political resignation and the fading of power.The resignation of a scandal-plagued congressman casts a somber tone over the political landscape.San Antonio Today

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, a three-term Republican congressman from Texas, has announced he will retire from Congress rather than face a potential expulsion vote over allegations of an affair with a former staffer who died by suicide and separate claims of sexual misconduct with another ex-staffer. Gonzales had initially denied the affair but later confessed during a conservative online interview, leading to mounting pressure from both parties to step down immediately.

Why it matters

Gonzales' exit strategy raises questions about the political implications, as a retirement allows him to maintain his House seat and pension for the remainder of his term, rather than triggering a special election. However, there are calls from some lawmakers for an immediate expulsion vote given the serious nature of the allegations against him.

The details

In March, Gonzales admitted to an affair with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. More recently, another ex-staffer accused Gonzales of engaging in sexual misconduct, including soliciting nude photos over text. Gonzales faces the prospect of an expulsion vote led by Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into his behavior.

  • In March, Gonzales confessed to the affair during an interview on a conservative online talk show.
  • In recent weeks, reporting revealed another former staffer accused Gonzales of sexual misconduct over text.
  • Leger Fernandez said the House will file an expulsion resolution against Gonzales if he does not resign by 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

The players

Tony Gonzales

A three-term Republican congressman from Texas who is resigning from Congress amid allegations of an affair with a former staffer who died by suicide and separate claims of sexual misconduct with another ex-staffer.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A former staffer of Gonzales who died by suicide in September 2025, prompting Gonzales to later admit to an affair with her.

Adrian Aviles

The husband of Regina Santos-Aviles, who emphasized that his goal was never to tarnish Gonzales' career but to demand he take responsibility for the affair.

Bobby Barrera

The attorney for Adrian Aviles.

Teresa Leger Fernandez

A Democratic representative from New Mexico who is leading the effort to file an expulsion resolution against Gonzales if he does not resign.

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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 m privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”

— Tony Gonzales, U.S. Representative

“It comes after, I'm sure, intense pressure from his congressional membership and leaders. Otherwise, I don't think he would have made that decision.”

— Bobby Barrera, Attorney for Adrian Aviles

“He has until 2 p.m. tomorrow—when we will file his expulsion. He better write that resignation 'effective immediately'”

— Teresa Leger Fernandez, U.S. Representative

What’s next

With an expulsion vote not ruled out, there is still the possibility that Gonzales could be forced to resign immediately rather than retire, depending on the continued political pressure.

The takeaway

Gonzales' decision to retire rather than resign raises questions about the political implications, as it allows him to maintain his House seat and pension for the remainder of his term rather than triggering a special election. However, the serious nature of the allegations against him have led to calls for an immediate expulsion vote, underscoring the ongoing controversy surrounding his exit from Congress.