GOP Representative Tony Gonzales Faces Calls for Resignation Amidst Allegations of Misconduct
Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas is under increasing pressure to resign from Congress following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. The controversy has ignited a rift within the GOP, with several of his colleagues publicly calling for his resignation ahead of a closely watched primary election.
Allegations and Released Text Messages
The allegations center around text messages allegedly exchanged between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles, published by The San Antonio Express-News and 24SightNews. These messages reportedly demonstrate Gonzales making sexually suggestive requests and inquiries, with Santos-Aviles expressing discomfort and stating, “this is too far.” She also questioned whether she was hired due to her appearance, to which Gonzales replied, “No way.”
Santos-Aviles’ widower, Adrian Aviles, has stated he discovered the alleged affair in May 2024 and that his wife was subsequently ostracized by Gonzales’ staff. He alleges Gonzales “abused his power” and should have maintained a higher standard of conduct. Attorney Bobby Barrera, representing Aviles, has alleged Gonzales coerced Santos-Aviles into the alleged relationship.
Gonzales has denied having an affair and claims he is being blackmailed into a legal settlement. He shared a message on X from Barrera referencing a potential settlement with a Non-Disclosure agreement, stating, “I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED.”
Calls for Resignation from GOP Colleagues
A growing number of Republican representatives have demanded Gonzales’ resignation. Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, and Nancy Mace of South Carolina have all publicly called for him to step down. Massie questioned the silence of other male Republicans, and called for former President Trump to revoke his endorsement of Gonzales.
Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee stated Gonzales “should do the right thing and resign,” while Representative Chip Roy of Texas endorsed Gonzales’ primary challenger, Brandon Herrera, and called for Gonzales to drop out of the race.
Nancy Mace has introduced a resolution directing the House Ethics Commission to release records of allegations of sexual harassment against members of Congress, stating Gonzales’ case is “just the tip of the iceberg.”
Speaker Johnson’s Response and Upcoming Primary
Speaker Mike Johnson has urged Gonzales to address the allegations directly with his constituents ahead of the Texas primary election next week. While acknowledging the allegations as “alarming and detestable,” Johnson has not rescinded his endorsement of Gonzales and stated the need to allow due process to play out. Gonzales narrowly defeated Herrera in 2024 and faces a tight race for reelection.
Gonzales’ Response
Gonzales has stated, “I am not going to resign.” He maintains that all the facts have not yet been presented and that there will be an opportunity for them to come out.