Tony Gonzales, a Republican congressman from Texas, has admitted to having an affair with a former aide who died by suicide last year. In an interview with conservative media personality Joe Pags, Gonzales said he had a "lapse in judgment" and took "full responsibility" for his actions, adding that he had reconciled with his wife and sought forgiveness from God.
The admission comes as the House ethics committee investigates allegations against Gonzales, including whether he engaged in sexual misconduct towards an employee and dispensed special favours. The committee's top Republican and Democratic members said an investigative panel would examine the claims.
Gonzales denied any connection to the death of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, 35, who died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire in her back yard in Uvalde, Texas. He said he had not spoken to her for a year before her death. He also alleged that a lawyer for her widower, Adrian Aviles, demanded $300,000 "or else", describing it as a shakedown. His financial disclosure showed liquid assets of at most $75,000.
However, Santos-Aviles's lawyer, Bobby Barrera, said Gonzales had mischaracterised legitimate claims under the Congressional Accountability Act, which has a maximum penalty of $300,000. Barrera said his client had learned of the affair before his wife's death. The San Antonio Express-News reported it had obtained text messages in which Santos-Aviles wrote to a colleague about the affair.
Gonzales, a father of six and a 20-year navy veteran, is now in his third term. He has said he will not step down. On Tuesday, he was forced into a May runoff against Brandon Herrera, a gun manufacturer and YouTube influencer who narrowly lost to Gonzales in the 2024 primary.
