The US House of Representatives has opened an ethics investigation into Texas Republican Tony Gonzales after he admitted to having an affair with a former aide who died by suicide last year.
Gonzales acknowledged the relationship in an interview with conservative media personality Joe Pags, saying: 'I made a mistake – I had a lapse in judgment and it was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions.' He added that he had reconciled with his wife and sought forgiveness from God.
The House Ethics Committee said it would investigate whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee and whether he dispensed special favours or privileges. Gonzales denied any involvement in the death of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, 35, who set herself on fire in her back yard in Uvalde, Texas, in September 2025. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide.
Gonzales claimed that a lawyer for Santos-Aviles's widower demanded $300,000 'or else', but he said he did not have the money and would not pay. The lawyer, Bobby Barrera, said Gonzales mischaracterised legitimate claims under the Congressional Accountability Act, which caps damages at $300,000.
The congressman, a father of six and a former navy officer, said he would not resign. He faces a May runoff against gun-rights influencer Brandon Herrera, who narrowly lost to Gonzales in the 2024 primary.
