Hispanic Republican Resigns After Relationship With Staffer Who Later Died by Suicide Is Confirmed

Tony Gonzales’ scandal shakes the U.S. Congress

Relationship with deceased adviser

Republican drops reelection bid

The Tony Gonzales scandal has shaken the Republican Party after the Hispanic congressman decided to abandon his reelection bid, following confirmation that he had a relationship with an adviser from his office who later died in circumstances classified as suicide.

The case has sparked intense political and ethical controversy in Washington, particularly because the relationship involved a direct subordinate, something prohibited under congressional rules.

Why it matters: Gonzales’ withdrawal comes at a crucial moment for Republicans, who are seeking to maintain their majority in Congress in the November elections. The scandal not only affects the party’s image but also opens the door for a controversial figure in the Republican primaries in Texas.

Tony Gonzales resigns after ethics investigation

Congressman Tony Gonzales, who has represented Texas’ 23rd district since 2021 — a vast region that includes areas along the U.S.–Mexico border — announced Friday that he will not continue his campaign for reelection.

The decision comes after it became known that the House Ethics Committee was planning to launch an investigation against him for maintaining a relationship with a subordinate member of his staff, something prohibited by Congress’ internal rules.

The lawmaker himself confirmed his withdrawal from the electoral race in a public message explaining the reasons behind his decision.

“After deep reflection, and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek reelection while I remain for the rest of this Legislature with the same commitment I have always had to my district,” Gonzales said in a statement.

Although the congressman will remain in office until the end of his current term, his withdrawal from the campaign effectively ends his immediate electoral career amid the controversy.

Relationship with his adviser sparks controversy

I have now seen some of the text messages between Tony Gonzales and his late aide, Regina Santos-Aviles.

It is now clear to me Tony Gonzales is a sexual predator, who abused his position of power and wrecked a family.

I also now know this is not the only case.

He must resign. pic.twitter.com/H5wfdjl6pH

— Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) February 22, 2026

The Tony Gonzales scandal began escalating publicly after text messages and testimonies from former employees of the congressman’s office were circulated.

According to those reports, Gonzales allegedly maintained a relationship with Regina Santos-Áviles, 35, who worked as an office director in Uvalde, Texas.

The politician himself admitted to having had a relationship with the adviser, raising concerns because she was a direct subordinate.

The situation became even more sensitive when it was recalled that Santos-Áviles died in September of last year. Forensic authorities classified the case as self-immolation.

The husband of the deceased woman publicly blamed the congressman for the tragedy, increasing both media and political pressure on the Republican lawmaker.

Political pressure during a crucial election year

Tony Gonzales resigns at a particularly sensitive moment for the Republican Party, which is seeking to maintain control of Congress in the November elections.

President Donald Trump is attempting to consolidate the party’s legislative majority amid polling that shows a decline in his popularity, meaning any political scandal carries additional weight in the electoral strategy.

The departure of a sitting congressman also exposes internal party tensions and could affect the political balance in key districts, especially in border regions with a large Latino voter population.

‘The AK Guy’ becomes the favorite in the primaries after Tony Gonzales’ withdrawal

I have now seen some of the text messages between Tony Gonzales and his late aide, Regina Santos-Aviles.

It is now clear to me Tony Gonzales is a sexual predator, who abused his position of power and wrecked a family.

I also now know this is not the only case.

He must resign. pic.twitter.com/H5wfdjl6pH

— Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) February 22, 2026

Following Tony Gonzales’ withdrawal, the landscape of the Republican primaries in Texas’ 23rd district has changed dramatically.

The only candidate currently remaining in the race is Brandon Herrera, a digital content creator and firearms manufacturer known as “The AK Guy,” a nickname that reflects his affinity for AK-style rifles.

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His candidacy is particularly controversial in Uvalde, Texas, a city still marked by the memory of the 2022 school shooting in which 19 students and two teachers were killed.

The possibility that an outspoken gun rights advocate could reach Congress from that district adds a new element to the political and social debate in the region.

What comes next

The Republican primaries will determine whether Herrera consolidates his candidacy without opposition, while the ethics investigation into Tony Gonzales continues to generate repercussions within Congress and the Republican Party.

Source: EFE