Embattled Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales Bows Out of 2026 Runoff Race After Explosive Affair Scandal With Staffer Who Later Took Her Own Life
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) suddenly announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection to Congress amid a rapidly growing scandal involving an alleged affair with a staff member, which has shaken Washington and prompted a House Ethics investigation.
The Texas lawmaker, who serves the 23rd Congressional District along the southern border, said he will complete his current term but will not run in 2026 after weeks of increased pressure from Republican leaders and grassroots conservatives.
In a social media statement, Gonzales stated he had made the decision “after deep reflection and with the support of my loving family” not to pursue another term in Congress.
“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.
From confronting the border crisis to standing with my communities after the worst school shooting in Texas history, my philosophy has never changed: do as much as you can, and always fight for the greater good.
After deep reflection, and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek reelection, while serving out the remainder of this Congress with the same commitment I have always had to my district.
Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful.
God has a plan for all of us.”
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) March 6, 2026
The political firestorm exploded after Gonzales finally admitted to an affair with a congressional aide who later died by suicide.
“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,” he told conservative radio host Joe Pags when asked about the alleged affair. “Since then, I’ve reconciled with my wife, Angel. I’ve asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever.”
As The Gateway Pundit reported last year, Rep. Tony Gonzales, a married father of six, is accused of carrying on an extramarital affair with his senior aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who tragically died after dousing herself in gasoline and setting herself on fire.
35-year-old Aviles, a married mother of an eight-year-old son who was separated from her husband, Adrian Aviles, was often seen by Gonzales’s side. Such appearances included high-profile events, such as Elon Musk’s 2023 tour of the Mexico border in Eagle Pass.
Gonzales discussed the rumored affair at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, telling a reporter there was no veracity to any affair while also denying knowledge of Aviles’ passing.
“The rumors are completely untruthful. I am generally untrusting of these outlets,” Gonzales stated.
“‘Regina’s family has asked for privacy. If it was your family or any of our families, I would argue that you would want privacy as well, he added. “I don’t know exactly what happened. Nobody has contacted me. I haven’t contacted anyone.”
“I’m waiting for a final report. I think that would make a lot of sense.”
The leaked texts, obtained by outlets like 24Sight News, paint a picture of a predatory boss exploiting his position for personal gratification.
In one exchange, Gonzales reportedly demanded “sexy pics” from Santos-Aviles late at night, inquiring about her favorite sexual positions and pushing her into uncomfortable territory while she was vulnerable and married.
The staffer’s widower, Adrian Aviles, through his attorney Bobby Barrera, has come forward with over 3,500 text messages that allegedly confirm the affair and harassment.
Aviles discovered the messages, leading to the couple’s separation, and Santos-Aviles’ subsequent spiral into depression.
Instead of taking responsibility, Gonzales has shamelessly accused the grieving husband of “blackmail” after Barrera sought a settlement under the Congressional Accountability Act for sexual harassment and retaliation.
Several conservative House Republicans are calling for Rep. Tony Gonzales to immediately resign and withdraw from the race after the release of damaging leaked text messages.
Gonzales had already been forced into a runoff in the Republican primary after failing to secure a majority of votes.
With Gonzales now out of the race, gun rights activist and YouTuber Brandon Herrera, one of his challengers, is expected to secure the GOP nomination by default and advance to the general election.
Here’s a video of Brandon Herrera:
BREAKING: Embattled Congressman Tony Gonzales, who had an affair with a staffer who later kiIIed herself, has DROPPED his re-election bid in Texas’ 23rd District
2nd Amendment fighter Brandon Herrera is OFFICIALLY the Republican nominee for the deep red districts
LET’S GO!!! pic.twitter.com/r8F0OUkKLd
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 6, 2026
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