House GOP Leadership Calls for Rep. Tony Gonzales to Withdraw from Re-Election Bid Amid Ethics Probe

WASHINGTON – House Republican leadership is urging Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) to withdraw from his re-election race following his admission of an affair with a former aide, a revelation that has triggered an ethics investigation and jeopardized his position in the upcoming runoff election. The call for Gonzales to step aside comes from Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Steve Emmer, and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain.

Ethics Investigation and Leadership’s Statement

“The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzales’s conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously,” the GOP leaders stated in a joint statement. “Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these extremely serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election.”

Rep. Richard Hudson, chairman of the House Republican campaign arm, echoed this sentiment, stating Gonzales “should withdraw from the runoff and allow the Ethics process to move forward while focusing on his family and serving his constituents for the remainder of his term.” NBC News reported on the statements.

Gonzales’ Response and Admission

Gonzales has welcomed the Ethics Committee’s investigation, stating, “I welcome the opportunity to present all the facts to the committee.” He further elaborated on “The Joe Pags Show,” expressing his desire to “be able to provide all the facts and all the details that lead to exactly what occurred in the entire situation.”

Initially denying reports of an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, his former district director, Gonzales later admitted to a “lapse in judgment” during an interview. This admission followed the surfacing of sexual text messages exchanged between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles, as reported by ABC News and other news organizations.

Runoff Election and Previous Challenges

Gonzales is facing a runoff election against pro-gun activist Brandon Herrera after neither candidate secured a majority vote in Tuesday’s primary. Herrera previously challenged Gonzales in 2024, falling just a few hundred votes short of defeating him. The affair allegations have significantly impacted Gonzales’ campaign, with Herrera capitalizing on the controversy to argue that Gonzales has broken the public’s trust. The Texas Tribune detailed the dynamics of the runoff.

Past Precedents and Potential Outcomes

This situation mirrors a similar case in 2022, when Rep. Van Taylor (R-TX) withdrew from a runoff election after admitting to an affair. If Gonzales were to withdraw, Herrera would become the GOP nominee for the Republican-leaning district. Gonzales has argued that he is the only candidate capable of holding the seat, warning that Herrera’s past inflammatory comments could jeopardize Republican control of the House. Herrera, still, contends that the affair has made Gonzales unelectable, potentially opening the door for a Democratic victory. CBS News provided context on the broader implications of the race.

Ongoing Investigations

In addition to the House Ethics Committee investigation, the Office of Congressional Conduct has completed its inquiry into Gonzales. The outcome of these investigations and Gonzales’ decision regarding his re-election bid remain to be seen.