Summary
Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales admitted to having an affair with an aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, after earlier denying it. The House Ethics Committee is investigating whether he engaged in sexual misconduct or unfair favoritism. Gonzales is facing calls for resignation and must compete in a primary run-off to remain a Republican candidate.
Key Facts
- Congressman Tony Gonzales admitted to an affair with his aide, Regina Santos-Aviles.
- Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2025, which Gonzales states was unrelated to the affair.
- The House Ethics Committee is investigating potential misconduct and unfair treatment by Gonzales.
- Gonzales said staff-wide pay increases included Santos-Aviles and denied giving her special treatment.
- Gonzales faces calls to resign from within his party, including from Congresswoman Nancy Mace.
- Gonzales is running in a primary run-off to be the Republican candidate for his congressional district.
- He was endorsed by President Donald Trump before the affair allegations surfaced.
- Text messages from 2024 showed Gonzales asked Santos-Aviles to send explicit photos.
