Here’s what I can share based on recent reporting up to April 2026.
Direct answer
- The latest news indicates Rep. Tony Gonzales acknowledged having an affair with a former aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, and faced an ethics inquiry related to that relationship. Several outlets reported the admission and the ethics probe in early March 2026.
Context and notable developments
- Gonzales publicly acknowledged the affair during interviews in March 2026 and said he reconciled with his wife and took responsibility for his actions. This admission came as the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into potential misconduct related to the relationship. He subsequently announced he would not seek re-election, stating his decision after reflection and with family support.
Key sources you can review for details
- Associated Press coverage of Gonzales’ admission and the ethics inquiry, March 2026.
- NBC News reporting on Gonzales stepping back from reelection amid the ethics probe.
- Guardian recap of the ethics inquiry and Gonzales’ statements.
- Local and national outlets covering reaction from Rep. Gonzales’ camp and from Regina Santos-Aviles’ husband.
If you’d like, I can compile a concise timeline of the key events, or pull the most up-to-date summaries from each outlet and provide direct quotes.
Sources
The embattled congressman said he will serve out the rest of his term.
www.nbcnews.comTony Gonzales claims God has forgiven him for affair with Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who set herself on fire
www.theguardian.comRepublican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas is withdrawing from his reelection race, after having admitted an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide. He is vowing to finish out his term in Congress. Gonzales had faced calls from GOP leadership to end his reelection bid, and from others in Congress to resign. “After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election,” Gonzales said in a statement posted late Thursday to X. The move...
www.ajc.comHouse Republican leadership is calling on Rep.
www.nbcnews.comOne day after KSAT Investigates reported details of an alleged affair between U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales and a former aide, who died last year after setting herself on fire, the congressman defended himself on social media Thursday morning.
www.ksat.comRepublican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas has acknowledged for the first time having an affair with an aide who later died after setting herself on fire. The revelation came on the same day the House Ethics Committee announced it was initiating an investigation into the congressman. Appearing on the “Joe Pags Show,” Gonzales said he made a mistake and had a lapse in judgment and took full responsibility for his actions. Under House ethics rules, a lawmaker may not engage in a sexual relationship...
www.ajc.comRep. Tony Gonzales of Texas announces he won't seek re-election after admitting to extramarital affair with former staffer amid growing controversy.
www.foxnews.com