Republicans Demand Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales Resign Over Alleged Affair
House Republicans in the United States are turning against one of their own, calling for Texas Representative Tony Gonzales to resign following allegations of an affair with a former aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. The controversy has sparked widespread condemnation from within the party, with several prominent figures urging immediate action.
Allegations and Text Messages Revealed
Gonzales, a Republican and married father of six children representing Texas’ 23rd district since 2021, is accused of sending sexually explicit text messages to Santos-Aviles. The messages, which were published by the San Antonio Express-News on Monday, include requests for explicit photos and graphic sexual content. According to reports, Santos-Aviles expressed discomfort in the texts, telling Gonzales he was "going too far."
The texts were revealed by her widower, Adrian Aviles, who described them as "very sexual in nature" and accused Gonzales of abusing his power. Santos-Aviles, 35, died on September 14, 2025, after setting herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde, Texas, with the Bexar County Medical Examiner ruling her death a suicide.
Republican Calls for Resignation
A handful of Republican colleagues have publicly demanded Gonzales step down. Among them are Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert, who posted "RESIGN" on social media platform X, and South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace, who stated the allegations are "deeply disturbing" and called for his resignation. Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also agreed, replying to Mace's post with support.
In response, Gonzales has denied the affair, claiming he was being "blackmailed" over the allegations. He shared a screenshot of an email from Aviles's attorney, Robert Barrera, who denied the blackmail accusation. During an appearance at the Texas Tribune Festival last November, Gonzales called the rumors "completely untruthful" and noted the family's request for privacy.
Political Fallout and Future Implications
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson commented on the situation, stating he had spoken with Gonzales and urged him to address the matter appropriately with his constituents. Johnson emphasized it is too early to prejudge but acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. Gonzales is currently running for a fourth term, with the Republican primary scheduled for March 3.
In a recent interview with CBS News, Gonzales praised Santos-Aviles as a "kind soul" dedicated to community improvements but refused to engage in "personal smears," focusing instead on policy issues like border security. The unfolding scandal highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party and raises questions about ethical standards in Congress.
