Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas announced he will withdraw from his congressional reelection runoff after a personal scandal involving a former aide threw his campaign into turmoil.
Gonzales released a brief statement explaining his decision, saying he would step away from the race after “deep reflection,” though he did not directly reference the controversy surrounding his relationship with a former staff member.
“At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” Gonzales said. “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.”
He added that, after discussing the matter with his family, he decided not to pursue another term but would continue serving the remainder of his current term.
“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,” Gonzales said. “Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful.”
The decision comes after Gonzales admitted during a radio interview that he had an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a senior aide in his office. The relationship became public after Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 following a tragic incident at her home in Uvalde, Texas.
According to investigators, Santos-Aviles, 35, was alone in her backyard when she poured gasoline on herself and caught fire, suffering fatal injuries. Authorities said there was no indication anyone else was involved, though the circumstances surrounding the incident drew significant attention.
Family members initially insisted the fire was accidental, and police confirmed that no foul play was suspected. Surveillance footage from the home reportedly showed Santos-Aviles alone at the time of the incident.
The revelation of the affair surfaced after the Republican primary for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, where Gonzales finished slightly behind challenger Brandon Herrera. With nearly all votes counted, Herrera received about 43.3 percent, while Gonzales secured 41.7 percent, forcing a runoff that had been scheduled for May.
During the interview, Gonzales acknowledged the relationship, describing it as a “mistake” and a “lapse in judgment,” and said he takes full responsibility for his actions.
Santos-Aviles had joined Gonzales’ office in 2021 and served as a regional district director. She left behind an eight-year-old son and a husband from whom she had reportedly been separated for several months.
With Gonzales now stepping aside from the race, the contest for Texas’ 23rd District moves forward without the three-term congressman on the ballot.
For Republicans focused on maintaining momentum heading into upcoming elections, the development closes a difficult chapter and allows the party to shift its attention back to the issues voters care about most — including border security, economic stability, and keeping the country moving forward.
