Texas Republican Tony Gonzales announced his plans to resign from Congress following his highly-publicized affair scandal.
Gonzales, who is married with six children, first denied claims he had an affair with a former staffer, Regina Anne Santos-Aviles, while she was also married. Santos-Aviles later died by suicide.
One month later, Gonzales admitted to the affair. He has denied playing any role in her untimely death.
“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 said of the affair to radio host Joe Pags in March 2026. “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.”
After Gonzales admitted to the relationship, the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into his conduct.Gonzales was facing possible expulsion amid the investigation, but ultimately decided to resign instead.
Keep scrolling for a full breakdown on Gonzales scandal and its aftermath:
What Did Tony Gonzales Do?
Tony Gonzales was accused of having an affair with former staffer Regina Ann Santos-Aviles. The San Antonio Express-News reported in February 2026 that Gonzales and Santos-Aviles engaged in the extramarital affair in 2024.
According to text messages obtained by the outlet, Gonzales allegedly requested “sexy” photos from Santos-Aviles. He also allegedly asked her about her favorite sexual positions. Santos-Aviles told her boss that he was going “too far” before agreeing to meet up with him during his congressional campaign.
Santos-Aviles’ husband told the outlet that his wife later admitted to the relationship. The husband claimed he confronted Gonzales about the relationship, which allegedly affected how Santos-Aviles was being treated at work.
Gonzales initially denied the affair allegations.
What Happened After Tony Gonzales’ Affair?
After Regina Ann Santos-Aviles confessed to her husband about the affair, the pair tried to move forward. They ultimately separated, at which point Santos-Aviles reportedly fell into a depression. She died by suicide in September 2025.
Following her death, Tony Gonzales publicly admitted he did have an affair with Santos-Aviles but denied having anything to do with her death.
“I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing and in fact I was shocked just as much as everyone else was,” he said in a March 2026 interview with Joe Pags.
Is Tony Gonzales Under Investigation?
In March 2026, the House Ethics Committee announced that it was forming an investigative panel to probe allegations of sexual misconduct against Tony Gonzales. The House of Representatives’ official code of conduct prohibits lawmakers from engaging in relationships with any employee under their supervision.
Gonzales was accused of violating the code of conduct for engaging “in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his congressional office” or “discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges.”
In addition to the investigation, Representative Anna Paulina Luna planned to force a vote of expulsion against Gonzales and fellow congressman Eric Swalwell after four women accused the California Democrat of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to rape. (Swalwell was also accused of raping a staffer. Swalwell, like Gonzales, ultimately resigned from Congress, admitting to making “mistakes” and apologizing to his wife but denying the allegations.)
When Did Tony Gonzales Resign From Congress?
Amid the House of Representatives’ investigation into Tony Gonzales’ relationship with his staff, the politician announced that he would be resigning from Congress.
“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office,” Gonzalez tweeted in April 2026. “It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
