FILE – Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, speaks during a news conference Dec. 7, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Mariam Zuhaib/AP
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Mariam Zuhaib/AP
Political circles were abuzz as Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, announced his decision to step back from his reelection plans. This development follows an admission of an affair with a former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who tragically died by suicide.
Gonzales’ decision comes amid pressure from GOP leadership, who urged him to withdraw from the race while the House Ethics Committee investigates the situation.
“After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election,” Gonzales declared in a statement released on X.
His announcement marks a pivotal shift in a situation that has captivated Washington. Initially, Gonzales was set to face Brandon Herrera, a gun manufacturer and YouTube influencer, in a runoff after a narrow primary victory in 2024.
Amidst heightened scrutiny, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders called for Gonzales to address the allegations, emphasizing the need for transparency with his constituents and colleagues.
“We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues,” stated Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Whip Tom Emmer, and GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain.
While some Republicans have called for Gonzales’ resignation, others, like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, have proposed resolutions to remove him from committee assignments and censure him.
Meanwhile, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed support for expelling Gonzales from the House, a move requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
Despite these calls, GOP leaders have stopped short of asking for his resignation, mindful of their slim majority in the House.
Gonzales acknowledged the affair on “Joe Pags Show,” admitting a lapse in judgment. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in Uvalde, Texas, and Gonzales expressed shock at her passing.
“I made a mistake and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions,” Gonzales stated.
Having served three terms in Congress, Gonzales, a Navy veteran with a 20-year career, emphasized his intention to complete his current term while expressing hope for the Ethics Committee’s swift investigation.
Under House ethics rules, lawmakers are prohibited from engaging in sexual relationships with employees under their supervision.
