House Republican leadership is calling on U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas to withdraw from his re-election bid after the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into his conduct.
In a joint statement, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Conference Chair Lisa McClain said they have urged Gonzales to step aside from the race while the investigation proceeds.
“The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzales’s conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously,” the leaders stated. “Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these very 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.”
The development comes just days after results from Tuesday’s Republican primary showed Gonzales falling short of a majority and heading to a runoff election against gun rights activist Brandon Herrera in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District.
Herrera received 43 percent of the vote, while Gonzales received 42 percent in the four-way race.
Gonzales had previously denied allegations that he had a relationship with Regina “Regi” Santos-Aviles, who served as his regional district director in Uvalde and committed suicide in 2025.
However, during an interview on “The Joe Pags Show” this week, Gonzales finally acknowledged the relationship.
“I take full responsibility for those actions,” Gonzales said. “Since then, I have reconciled with my wife, Angel. I’ve asked God to forgive me, which he has. And my faith is as strong as ever.”
Reports published last month included allegations that Gonzales sent explicit text messages to Santos-Aviles while she worked for him. Those reports prompted renewed scrutiny of the congressman and ultimately the announcement of an ethics investigation.
In 2024, Gonzales narrowly defeated Herrera in a runoff.
Gonzales has, so far, said he intends to continue his re-election campaign.
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