U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzalez, a Republican from Texas, said he would not resign despite mounting pressure from fellow lawmakers over allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a former staffer, Regina Ann Santos Aviles, who later died by suicide.The dispute centers around text messages that appear to show Gonzalez engaging in sexually explicit exchanges with Santos Avilés in May 2024. In the messages, Gonzalez allegedly asked the assistant to “send me a sexy picture” and what her “favorite position is.”
Rep. Tony Gonzalez calls alleged relationship with his burned-out aide “insincere” as suicide ruling dropped | He watches
Santos Avilés responded at one point by saying: “This is an exaggeration, sir.”Gonzalez denied having an affair and described the accusations as politically motivated.
He told reporters that he would not resign and said that not all the facts had emerged yet. He said: “There will be an opportunity to reveal all the details and facts.”The controversy gained attention because Santos Avilés later died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde, Texas. Her death was ruled a suicide by self-immolation.Several House Republicans, including Reps. Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna and Nancy Mace, have publicly called on Gonzalez to step down.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders have expressed concern about the seriousness of the allegations but have stopped short of calling for Gonzalez’s resignation while the investigation continues. Johnson said investigations should be allowed to take place before drawing conclusions.Gonzalez also faces a competitive Republican primary scheduled for March 3, in which he will challenge gun rights activist and social media personality Brandon Herrera. US President Donald Trump had previously supported Gonzalez in the race.
