Rep. Tony Gonzales ends reelection bid after admitting to affair
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, announced he will not seek reelection following controversy over an affair with a former staffer who died by self-immolation.
- The announcement came after House Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP leaders urged Gonzales to withdraw from the upcoming May 26 runoff against Brandon Herrera.
- Gonzales admitted to the affair on a podcast, acknowledging a lapse in judgment and seeking forgiveness, after initially denying allegations and claiming blackmail.
- The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into Gonzales for potential sexual misconduct and unfair favoritism toward his former staffer.
- The controversy intensified after reports revealed Gonzales sent sexually explicit texts to the late staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who admitted
