From the Daily Mail: Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leadership want embattled Congressman Tony Gonzales, who had an affair with a staffer, out of Congress.
‘Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election,’ Johnson said in a joint statement with other top House Republicans on Thursday.
Gonzales, a Texas Republican, initially denied that he had an affair with his late staffer, Regina Aviles, who died by self-immolation in September. The Daily Mail first broke the story on their tragic relationship last year.
For months, speculation has swirled over whether or not the Texan would fess up to the allegation, which was first reported in October 2025. And he came under mounting pressure to resign from his position of power after sexually charged texts between Gonzales and Aviles were released.
The bombshell correspondence showed the married congressman petitioning his staffer for inappropriate pictures and asking her about sexual preferences.
After repeatedly denying the affair, Gonzales admitted during an interview on the Joe Pags show Wednesday that the rumors are, indeed, true.
“I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment. And there was a lack of faith… And I take full responsibility for those actions,” Gonzales admitted. “I’ve asked God to forgive me, which he has. When you make mistakes like this, it’s never easy. It humbles you,” he added.
🚨 BREAKING: RINO Rep. Tony Gonzales ADMITS that he had an affair with staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who KlLLED HERSELF shortly after the affair he pressured her into
This scumbag has been lying about the affair for WEEKS.
DROP OUT, TONY. You’re a DISGRACE.
VOTE HERRERA, TX-23 pic.twitter.com/INoRcpk92X
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 5, 2026
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 advance to a runoff election in May.
If Gonzales drops out, Herrera becomes the GOP nominee, without the runoff election.
Herrera shared a copy of the statement from Republican leadership on Thursday and wrote: “I would like to thank Speaker Johnson and House leadership for holding Congressman Tony Gonzales accountable for actions that have tarnished the office. I’m looking forward to representing the district the way the people of West Texas have always deserved. Lets get to work 🇺🇸.”
I would like to thank Speaker Johnson and House leadership for holding Congressman Tony Gonzales accountable for actions that have tarnished the office.
I’m looking forward to representing the district the way the people of West Texas have always deserved.
Lets get to work 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/KFZtgn3tgm
— Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) March 5, 2026
Herrera added, “2 weeks ago this man called me a liar because I accused him of committing the heinous acts that he just publicly admitted to doing. Is there anyone left who still trusts this now objectively proven liar?”
2 weeks ago this man called me a liar because I accused him of committing the heinous acts that he just publicly admitted to doing.
Is there anyone left who still trusts this now objectively proven liar? https://t.co/yIRdBaEavY
— Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) March 5, 2026
Faced with one of the most egregious scandals in DC history, House leadership, the White House, and Gonzales himself all agreed we would leave the decision up to the voters of Texas.
Last night, Texas made their voice heard.
For the first time in his career, Tony lost.
We won. pic.twitter.com/zbrzBfH8q5
— Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) March 5, 2026
Below is the full interview in which Gonzales made the admission:
READ MORE from the Daily Mail.
‘I made a mistake’: GOP rep admits to having affair with ex-aide who burned herself to death
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