Texas Congressman Admits Affair With Staffer Who Died By Suicide

Ethics Investigation Launched

Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales finally acknowledged Wednesday having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, reversing months of denials as the House Ethics Committee launched a formal investigation into his conduct. Gonzales admitted to the affair on the same day the House Ethics Committee announced it had opened an investigation into his conduct , marking a dramatic shift in his public stance.

In an interview with conservative radio host Joe Pags, Gonzales said "I made a mistake and I had a lapse in judgment and there was a lack of faith" and took "full responsibility" for his actions. The admission comes after Gonzales had previously denied the affair with his former aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who died of self-immolation last year .

The Ethics Committee will investigate whether Gonzales "engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his congressional office" or "discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges" . It is against House rules for lawmakers to engage in relationships with their staff members .

Political Fallout Intensifies

The scandal has severely damaged Gonzales' political standing. Rep. Tony Gonzales failed to clinch more than 50% of the vote in his southwest Texas district after dealing with the scandal for several weeks , forcing him into a runoff election against gun rights activist Brandon Herrera on May 26.

In February, NBC News reported on texts it obtained between Santos-Aviles and Gonzales in which the lawmaker allegedly messaged his then-staffer "send me sexy pics" . Adrian Aviles, Santos-Aviles' widower, called Gonzales a "predator" in an interview with CNN just weeks before the primary .

Florida GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna introduced a censure resolution against Gonzales the same day the House Ethics Committee opened its probe . Several Republican colleagues have called for his resignation, though Gonzales has remained defiant.

Tragic Background

Regina Santos-Aviles died by suicide last September after setting herself on fire . Santos-Aviles was married at the time of her death , adding another layer of complexity to the scandal that has rocked Capitol Hill.

Gonzales said during the radio appearance that he had not spoken with Santos-Aviles since June 2024, more than a year before her death . He also stated that he has "reconciled with my wife, Angel" following the affair.

Uncertain Future

Despite mounting pressure, Gonzales insisted he would stay in the race and told CNN "This is my third runoff in four cycles. We'll win this runoff as well" . The last day to withdraw from the runoff and thereby cancel it is March 18 .

House Speaker Mike Johnson has called the allegations against Gonzales "very serious" but has argued he is entitled to due process . The Ethics Committee probe could take months to complete , potentially extending well beyond the May runoff election.

The scandal represents a significant test for both Gonzales' political survival and the House's ability to police its own members amid ongoing questions about congressional ethics and accountability.