Congressman Tony Gonzales Acknowledges Affair
US Congressman Tony Gonzales has admitted to engaging in an extra-marital affair with an aide, after previously denying the relationship occurred.
The Texas Republican, who is married and has six children, described the relationship with married staff member Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide last year, as a "mistake" and a "lapse in judgement".
"I take full responsibility for my actions," Gonzales, 45, said during a podcast interview.
Ethics Investigation and Political Context
Gonzales's admission came hours after a House of Representatives panel initiated an ethics investigation into the relationship, and shortly before a primary run-off election. He had previously dismissed the allegations as "blackmail" and a "co-ordinated" effort to remove him from office.
The primary race to determine whether Gonzales will remain the Republican candidate for the congressional district is headed to a May run-off after neither Gonzales nor his rival, Brandon Herrera, secured over 50% of the vote earlier this week.
The eventual nominee will compete in November's midterm election. The district, which stretches along the US-Mexico border, is strongly Republican-leaning.
Before the affair allegations emerged, Gonzales had received an endorsement from former US President Donald Trump.
Calls for Resignation and Party Response
Following the admission, Gonzales faces increasing calls for his resignation, including from members of his own party. South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace has accused him of "predatory behaviour".
On Thursday, Republican congressional leadership urged Gonzales to end his re-election campaign.
"We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues," stated a joint message from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Congresswoman Lisa McClain.
"In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election."
Details Surrounding Santos-Aviles's Death
Regina Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire near her residence in Uvalde, Texas. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide, according to CBS News, the BBC's US partner.
In an interview with conservative podcaster Joe Pags released on Wednesday, Gonzales stated that Santos-Aviles's death was unrelated to their affair, asserting she was "thriving" professionally.
"I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing," he said. "And, in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else."
House Ethics Committee Investigation
The House Ethics Committee announced on Wednesday that it is investigating whether Gonzales "engaged in sexual misconduct" toward an employee.
The inquiry will also assess if Gonzales discriminated unfairly by "dispensing special favours or privileges".
Gonzales told the podcast that he did not provide Santos-Aviles with preferential treatment compared to other constituency staff.
"A pay rise that she received was part of a 'staff-wide pay increase'," he explained.
He added, "there's a whole lot more to the story," without elaborating. The BBC has reached out to his office for comment.
"When you make mistakes like this, you know, it's never easy," Gonzales said to Pags. "It humbles you."
"I've asked God to forgive me, which he has," he added.
Text Messages and Allegations
Explicit text messages from May 2024 reveal Gonzales asking Santos-Aviles to send him a "sexy pic," according to CBS.
Santos-Aviles, who served as his regional district director in Uvalde, reportedly told Gonzales twice that he had gone "too far."
The following month, Santos-Aviles's husband, Adrian Aviles, appeared to send a text from her phone to Gonzales and other aides stating he had discovered "she's been having an affair on me with your boss Tony Gonzales for some time now."
Impact on Santos-Aviles's Mental Health
A lawyer representing Adrian Aviles told CBS that Santos-Aviles's mental health deteriorated significantly after the alleged relationship with Gonzales ended.
"The deterioration of her mental state was exacerbated by the conduct Tony engaged in - the workplace harassment after the discovery of the affair," said lawyer Bobby Barrera.
The BBC has also sought comment from Gonzales's office regarding Barrera's statements.
Support Resources
If you are experiencing distress or despair and require support, consider consulting a health professional or contacting an organisation that offers assistance. Information on available help in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org. In the UK, a list of support organisations is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Readers in the US and Canada can call the 988 suicide helpline or visit its website.
