Gonzales finally confesses to having a sexual relationship with former employee after weeks of denial.

Representative Tony Gonzales admitted to a sexual relationship with a former employee after weeks of denial, taking responsibility for his actions while facing an Ethics Committee review and calls from colleagues to resign ahead of the upcoming runoff election.

On Wednesday evening, Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX) publicly confirmed that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a former staff member, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. This acknowledgment came after several weeks of Gonzales denying the allegations and dismissing them as politically motivated claims.

Gonzales Addresses the Situation

In a radio interview with Joe Pagliarulo, Gonzales stated that his actions were a serious lapse in judgment and expressed full accountability: "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 also mentioned that he had reconciled with his wife, Angel, and sought forgiveness from God, which he says he has received.

Until this admission, Gonzales had repeatedly denied any affair, suggesting that accusations were part of a political attack by his primary challenger, Brandon Herrera.

Political Context and Upcoming Election

Gonzales is preparing to face Herrera in a runoff election scheduled for May 26. Herrera, known as a YouTuber and pro-gun advocate, has brought increased scrutiny to Gonzales just prior to the primary contest. The timing of the resurfaced allegations has intensified public attention and political debate.

Details Regarding the Former Staffer

Regina Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire in front of her residence. During the interview, Gonzales rejected any suggestion that the relationship influenced her decision to commit suicide, stating that reports suggesting she was struggling at work were inaccurate and that she was thriving professionally.

Ethics Committee Review

Earlier on the same day, congressional investigators recommended that the House Ethics Committee examine Gonzales’ conduct concerning Santos-Aviles. Investigators reportedly found sufficient reason to believe that Gonzales had engaged in a sexual relationship with a subordinate. Gonzales expressed his readiness to cooperate fully with the committee, saying: "I look forward to the Ethics Committee starting an investigation. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to provide all the facts and all the details that lead to exactly what occurred in the entire situation."

New Evidence and Allegations

While rumors of an affair had circulated previously, the controversy intensified in the month leading up to the GOP primary. A former Gonzales staff member supplied a Texas news outlet with a text message from Santos-Aviles allegedly confirming the affair. Additionally, text messages from May 2024 were revealed in which Gonzales reportedly requested a sexually suggestive photograph from Santos-Aviles. These messages were allegedly discovered by Santos-Aviles’ husband, who learned of the relationship shortly before her death.

Calls for Resignation

The disclosure of these new details prompted several House Republicans to publicly demand that Gonzales either resign from Congress or withdraw from his reelection campaign. These calls highlight the political ramifications of the scandal as the runoff election approaches.

Summary of Key Developments

• Gonzales confirmed a sexual relationship with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles.
• He acknowledged responsibility for his actions and reconciled with his wife.
• Gonzales denied any link between the affair and Santos-Aviles’ suicide.
• Congressional investigators recommended an Ethics Committee review of his conduct.
• Text messages suggest inappropriate communications between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles.
• House Republicans called for Gonzales to resign or leave the reelection race.

Sources:

• The New York Times
• CNN
• Politico
• Gonzales Admits to Sexual Relationship With Former Staffer After Weeks of Denial