Additional Coverage:
Rep. Tony Gonzales Admits to Affair Amidst Ethics Investigation and Political Fallout
Congressman Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, has publicly acknowledged an extramarital affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide, reversing months of prior denials. The admission comes as Gonzales faces a runoff election and a newly announced House Ethics Committee investigation.
“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 during an interview with conservative radio host Joe Pags. He added that he has since reconciled with his wife and sought forgiveness. Gonzales vehemently denied any involvement in the staffer’s tragic death, stating he was “shocked just as much as everyone else.”
The former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, died in 2024 by self-immolation. Both Santos-Aviles and Gonzales were married at the time of their relationship. Text messages reportedly show Gonzales pressuring her for a “sexy pic,” to which she responded, “This is going too far boss.”
The revelation has ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly from within his own party. Republican primary challenger Brandon Herrera, whom Gonzales will face in a May 23 runoff, swiftly condemned the Congressman.
“Two weeks ago, this man called me a liar because I accused him of committing the heinous acts that he just publicly admitted to doing. Is there anyone left who still trusts this now objectively proven liar?”
Herrera posted on X.
Adding to Gonzales’s troubles, the House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday it is launching an investigation into his actions. “I welcome the opportunity to present all the facts to the committee,” Gonzales said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., has filed a resolution for Gonzales’s censure, an effort supported by Rep.
Nancy Mace, R-S.C. Luna stated that she had seen new evidence of the alleged affair and described the situation as “fighting for common decency.”
Mace, who had also intended to file a censure resolution, expressed her strong support for Luna’s initiative, declaring, “I’m on the warpath with her.”
Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, has called for Gonzales to withdraw from the race.
The controversy also saw a related development when Rep. Mace attempted to force a vote on a resolution to publicly expose lawmakers accused of sexual harassment.
The resolution, which would have mandated the Ethics Committee to make such allegations public, was ultimately sent back to committee. Mace criticized the outcome, stating, “Both parties colluded today to protect predators.”
Luna echoed this sentiment, calling it “disgusting how this institution protects itself.”
Gonzales has accused Santos-Aviles’ widower, Adrian Aviles, of attempting to blackmail him through a lawyer seeking a settlement. Aviles’ attorney, Bobby Barrera, refuted the accusation, stating the letter sent was a standard confidential settlement letter and accusing Gonzales of “trying to play the victim.”
Gonzales, who secured less than 50% of the vote in Tuesday’s primary, now faces a 12-week campaign for the runoff, with the winner advancing to face Democrat Katy Padilla Stout in November.