GOP Congressman Quits Re-Election Campaign
Published 12 minutes ago
on March 6, 2026
By Trinity Hallinan
Rep. Tony Gonzales is ending his reelection campaign after admitting to an extramarital affair with a staffer who later died by self-immolation, a stunning political collapse that drew pressure from House GOP leaders and bipartisan calls for him to step aside.
The Texas Republican said he will serve out the remainder of his term but will not seek another one.
“After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek reelection while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I’ve always had to my district,” Gonzales said in a statement.
He added he would continue serving with “the same commitment I’ve always had to my district.”
Gonzales’ decision came as he was headed toward a runoff in the Republican primary after failing to clear 50% of the vote. The move also came just hours after House Speaker Mike Johnson and other top Republicans publicly called for him to drop out.
“Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election,” Johnson said in a joint statement with other House Republicans.
Gonzales had initially denied having an affair with the late staffer, Regina Aviles. The Daily Mail first reported details of the relationship last year. Speculation intensified for months, and Gonzales faced growing scrutiny after sexually charged messages between him and Aviles were made public, including exchanges in which he requested inappropriate photos and discussed sexual preferences.
One day after the primary election, and as calls for his resignation escalated, Gonzales acknowledged the affair.
He described it as a “mistake” and a “lapse in judgment.”
“I take full responsibility for those actions. 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,” Gonzales said.
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