Republican Representative Tony Gonzales has announced he is withdrawing from his re-election race after admitting to an affair with a former staff member who died by suicide last year.
The three-term Congressman, who represents Texas' 23rd Congressional District, confirmed he will serve out the remainder of his current term while declining to seek a new one.
The decision follows intense pressure from House GOP leadership and a formal investigation by the House Ethics Committee into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office.
Gonzales took to social media to announce he would not seek re-election.
'At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. During my 20 years in the military and three terms in Congress, I have fought for that cause with absolute dedication to the country that I love,'the Congressman posted on X.
'From overcoming the border crisis to taking a stand with my communities after the worst school shooting in Texas' history, my philosophy has never changed: do as much as you can, and always fight for the greater good,' he continued.
'After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful.'
The disclosure comes after months of growing scrutiny about his relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, a former employee in his district office. The affair came to light after Santos-Aviles is believed to have made a verbal gaffe to a former colleague abouther relationship with Gonzalesin 2024.
Her emotional difficulties increased after her husband discovered the affair, and she tragically died in September 2025. She committed suicide at her home in Uvalde, Texas.
The details of their relationship came to light when text messages between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles were obtained bymedia outlets.
Source: International Business Times UK
