House GOP Leaders Urge Tony Gonzales to Withdraw Amid Ethics Probe

Republican leadership calls on Congressman to exit reelection bid as House Ethics Committee investigates allegations involving former staffer

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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House Republican leadership on Thursday called on Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) to withdraw from his campaign for another term in Congress as the House Ethics Committee investigates allegations involving a former staff member in his office who died in 2025. The ethics inquiry was formally announced on March 4, with the committee saying it voted to establish a subcommittee to determine whether Gonzales violated the Code of Official Conduct or any other applicable rules in the performance of his duties.

Why it matters

The allegations against Gonzales, including an alleged improper relationship with a former aide who later died, have raised serious concerns within the Republican party about his conduct and fitness for office. The ethics probe and calls for his withdrawal from the race underscore the party's efforts to address misconduct and maintain public trust.

The details

The investigation follows earlier scrutiny by the Office of Congressional Conduct over allegations that Gonzales had an improper relationship with Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, a regional district director in his office who worked for him from 2021 until her death in September 2025. Santos-Aviles, 35, died after pouring gasoline on herself and being engulfed in flames at her home in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales repeatedly denied the allegations for months but later admitted during a radio interview that he had an affair with Santos-Aviles.

  • On March 5, 2026, House Republican leadership issued a joint statement regarding Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX).
  • The ethics inquiry was formally announced on March 4, 2026, when the House Ethics Committee said it voted to establish a subcommittee to investigate Gonzales.
  • The Republican primary election in Texas's 23rd Congressional District was held on March 3, 2026, with Gonzales finishing second to challenger Brandon Herrera.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican Congressman from Texas's 23rd Congressional District who is facing an ethics investigation and calls from GOP leadership to withdraw from his reelection bid.

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles

A former regional district director in Gonzales's office who died in September 2025 after pouring gasoline on herself and being engulfed in flames at her home in Uvalde, Texas.

Mike Johnson

The Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Steve Scalise

The House Majority Leader.

Tom Emmer

The House Majority Whip.

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What they’re saying

“The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzales's conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously. Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election.”

— Mike Johnson, Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer, Lisa McClain, House Republican Leadership (Breitbart)

“The rumors are completely untruthful.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Texas Tribune Festival)

What’s next

The deadline for Rep. Tony Gonzales to withdraw from the Republican primary runoff election is March 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The ethics probe and calls for Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid underscore the Republican party's efforts to address misconduct and maintain public trust, as the allegations against the Texas Congressman have raised serious concerns about his conduct and fitness for office.