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Uvalde Today
By the People, for the People
House Ethics Committee Investigates Rep. Tony Gonzales Over Alleged Affair
The probe will examine claims of sexual misconduct and improper favors involving a former aide.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into Republican Representative Tony Gonzales over allegations that include an affair with a former aide and possible rule violations. The committee will examine whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct with an employee in his congressional office and whether he improperly provided special favors or privileges.
Why it matters
The investigation into Gonzales, a three-term congressman, comes as he faces a runoff election in May against a gun manufacturer and YouTube personality. The allegations could have significant political implications for Gonzales and raise questions about ethics and conduct in Congress.
The details
According to reports, the House Ethics Committee's investigation will focus on allegations that Gonzales had an affair with a former aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, and that he may have provided her with improper favors or privileges. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in 2025, and her husband has said he learned of the alleged affair before her death.
- The House Ethics Committee opened the investigation on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
- Gonzales is facing a runoff election in May 2026 against Brandon Herrera.
The players
Rep. Tony Gonzales
A three-term Republican congressman from Texas who is facing an ethics investigation over allegations of an affair with a former aide and possible rule violations.
Regina Ann Santos-Aviles
A former aide to Rep. Gonzales who allegedly had an affair with the congressman. She died by suicide in 2025.
Brandon Herrera
A gun manufacturer and YouTube gun-rights influencer who narrowly lost to Gonzales in the 2024 Republican primary and is now facing him in a May 2026 runoff election.
What they’re saying
“What you've seen is not all the facts.”
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Newsweek)
“The claims do not reflect the full picture and that he expects additional details to emerge.”
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Newsweek)
What’s next
The House Ethics Committee's investigative subcommittee will continue to examine the allegations against Rep. Gonzales, and a decision on any potential disciplinary action will be made at a later date.
The takeaway
The investigation into Rep. Gonzales highlights the ongoing scrutiny of ethics and conduct in Congress, particularly as it relates to potential abuse of power and inappropriate relationships between lawmakers and their staff. The outcome of this probe could have significant political implications for Gonzales as he faces a competitive runoff election.
