Tony Gonzales admits affair with aide who died by suicide
The Texas Tribune • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales admitted to having an affair with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide, after initially denying the allegation; he called the affair a “mistake” and took full responsibility.
- The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct and unfairly dispensed favors to Santos-Aviles, with Gonzales expressing willingness to cooperate.
- Text messages revealed Gonzales sent explicit messages to Santos-Aviles despite her refusals, though he denied rewarding her with pay raises linked to the affair, stating raises were part of routine staff bonuses.
- Gonzales faces a tough primary runoff against Brandon Herrera, with the scandal causing a
