Politics
NEW: GOP Congressman Quits Re-Election Campaign
Rep. Tony Gonzales is ending his reelection campaign after admitting to an extramarital affair with a staffer who later died by self-immolation, a stunning political collapse that drew pressure from House GOP leaders and bipartisan calls for him to step aside.
The Texas Republican said he will serve out the remainder of his term but will not seek another one.
“After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek reelection while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I’ve always had to my district,” Gonzales said in a statement.
He added he would continue serving with “the same commitment I’ve always had to my district.”
Gonzales’ decision came as he was headed toward a runoff in the Republican primary after failing to clear 50% of the vote. The move also came just hours after House Speaker Mike Johnson and other top Republicans publicly called for him to drop out.
“Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election,” Johnson said in a joint statement with other House Republicans.
Gonzales had initially denied having an affair with the late staffer, Regina Aviles. The Daily Mail first reported details of the relationship last year. Speculation intensified for months, and Gonzales faced growing scrutiny after sexually charged messages between him and Aviles were made public, including exchanges in which he requested inappropriate photos and discussed sexual preferences.
One day after the primary election, and as calls for his resignation escalated, Gonzales acknowledged the affair.
He described it as a “mistake” and a “lapse in judgment.”
“I take full responsibility for those actions. Since then, I have reconciled with my wife, Angel. I’ve asked God to forgive me, which he has. And my faith is as strong as ever,” Gonzales said.
His admission came as the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation following a report from the Office of Congressional Conduct indicating “substantial reason to believe” Gonzales engaged in an improper relationship. House rules prohibit a member of Congress from having a sexual relationship with a subordinate.
Johnson, pressed about the situation, noted that “Marital infidelity is not against the law,” while also acknowledging that an affair with a staffer violates House rules and is under review.
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) March 6, 2026
“I’ve always been consistent, whether you’re talking about Republicans or Democrats, we let the processes play out,” Johnson said.
The scandal drew outrage from both parties. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., accused Gonzales of “harassing his own staffer in the middle of the night” and said he should “resign immediately and be held fully accountable for what he’s done.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., blasted Congress for protecting its own members, saying, “I think it’s really disgusting how this institution protects itself.”
On the Democratic side, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, chair of the Congressional Democratic Women’s Caucus, said Gonzales’ conduct “would result in a termination and investigation in any other workplace.”
Gonzales’ race in Texas had already turned volatile after he finished second in the GOP primary to Brandon Herrera, a conservative YouTuber known as “The AK Guy.” Herrera led with 43.3%, while Gonzales pulled 41.7%, setting up a late May runoff to decide the Republican nominee.
Herrera has not commented on Gonzales’ withdrawal, but he praised Johnson for urging Gonzales to exit and said the congressman had “tarnished the office.”
Download the FREE Trending Politics App to get the latest news FIRST >>
