Late Thursday night, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas released a statement on social media, announcing he has decided to withdraw from his re-election campaign, just one day after finally admitting that the reports claiming he had an affair with a former staffer are true.
Regina Aviles, 35, had worked for Gonzales in his Uvalde, Texas office since 2021. On September 13 of last year, she reportedly set herself on fire at her home, and later died of her injuries.
Gonzales has denied reports of the inappropriate relationship with Aviles for months.
In Tuesday night’s GOP primary election, Republican Brandon Herrera, who is running against Gonzales for the coveted U.S. Congress seat, earned 43.3% of the vote, compared to 41.7% for Gonzales. Since neither of them received over 50%, they were to advance to a runoff election in May.
But after Gonzales admitted to the scandalous affair on Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders asked Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election.
Now Gonzales has agreed to do so, saying he will serve out the remainder of his term and then step aside.
In an official statement Thursday night, he wrote:
“At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. During my 20 years in the military and three terms in Congress, I have fought for that cause with absolute dedication to the country that I love.
“From overcoming the border crisis to taking a stand with my communities after the worst school shooting in Texas’ history, my philosophy has never changed: do as much as you can, and always fight for the greater good.
“After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I’ve always had to my district,” he added. “Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful.
“GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ALL OF US.”
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) March 6, 2026
Now that Gonzales is out of the race, Republican challenger Brandon Herrera is automatically the Republican nominee in the race.
Herrera graciously responded Thursday night, writing, “I appreciate Tony Gonzales for making the appropriate decision. I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves. From the border, to oil theft, water rights, data centers, and many other issues. It’s an honor to be chosen and together we will make Texas proud.”
I appreciate Tony Gonzales for making the appropriate decision.
I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves. From the border, to oil theft, water rights, data centers, and many other issues.
It’s an honor to be chosen and together we will make Texas… https://t.co/oJMXtmwHSq
— Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) March 6, 2026
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