Texas Congressman Exits Reelection Bid After Affair Scandal

Rep. Tony Gonzales withdraws from runoff after admitting to relationship with former aide who later died by suicide

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales has announced his withdrawal from a reelection runoff in Texas's 23rd Congressional District after an affair scandal with a former aide embroiled his campaign. Gonzales admitted to the relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, a regional district director in his office, who died by apparent self-immolation in September 2025. Gonzales had previously denied the affair but has now taken "full responsibility" for his "lapse in judgment."

Why it matters

The scandal surrounding Gonzales's affair and the subsequent death of his former aide has rocked his reelection campaign, leading him to exit the race. This development highlights the personal and political fallout that can occur when elected officials become embroiled in controversies, especially those involving alleged misconduct. It also raises questions about the mental health challenges and potential abuse of power dynamics that can arise in political offices.

The details

Gonzales, a three-term Republican congressman, was facing a runoff election after finishing second in the primary to challenger Brandon Herrera. In a radio interview on March 4, Gonzales admitted to having an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a senior aide in his office. Santos-Aviles died by apparent self-immolation in September 2025, with her family insisting the incident was accidental. Gonzales did not attend her funeral, and sources indicate her estranged husband was aware of the affair at the time of her death.

  • Gonzales admitted to the affair during a radio interview on March 4, 2026.
  • Regina Santos-Aviles died by apparent self-immolation in September 2025.
  • The Republican primary election in Texas's 23rd Congressional District was held on March 3, 2026.

The players

Tony Gonzales

A three-term Republican congressman representing Texas's 23rd Congressional District who has withdrawn from a reelection runoff after admitting to an affair with a former aide.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A former regional district director in Gonzales's office who died by apparent self-immolation in September 2025, with her family insisting the incident was accidental.

Brandon Herrera

Gonzales's challenger in the Republican primary for Texas's 23rd Congressional District, who finished ahead of Gonzales in the initial vote and will now advance to the runoff election.

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What they’re saying

“At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. During my 20 years in the military and three terms in Congress, I have fought for that cause with absolute dedication to the country that I love.”

— Tony Gonzales

“After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful.”

— Tony Gonzales

What’s next

The Republican primary runoff election in Texas's 23rd Congressional District is scheduled for May 26, 2026, with Brandon Herrera facing a new challenger after Gonzales's withdrawal.

The takeaway

The downfall of Rep. Tony Gonzales serves as a cautionary tale about the personal and political consequences that can arise when elected officials become embroiled in scandals, particularly those involving alleged misconduct and abuse of power. This episode highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and upholding the public trust in political leadership.