In the final days before a critical Texas primary, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) finds himself at the center of an escalating political storm, as allegations of an affair with a deceased former staffer have prompted mounting calls from within his own party for his resignation. With the March 3 primary looming, the controversy is not only threatening Gonzales’ political future but also testing the resolve and strategy of House Republican leadership, who are grappling with one of the slimmest majorities in recent history.
The controversy erupted into full public view in February 2026, when several House Republicans—including Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Brandon Gill (R-Texas), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), and Nancy Mace (R-S.C.)—publicly called for Gonzales to step down, citing the seriousness of the allegations. Rep. Boebert was the first to demand his resignation, and others quickly followed suit. As reported by Axios, Rep. Mace didn’t mince words: “These text messages are disgusting and inexcusable. [Gonzales] should resign immediately and be held fully accountable for what he’s done.”
At the heart of the matter are claims that Gonzales engaged in an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, his former regional director, who died by suicide in 2025 after setting herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde, Texas. According to police records cited by the San Antonio Express-News, Santos-Aviles told first responders before her death that she acted after learning her estranged husband was romantically involved with her best friend. However, the situation took another turn when text messages surfaced, allegedly showing Gonzales requesting a “sexy pic” from Santos-Aviles in May 2024. In response, she texted back, “this is too far Tony.” These exchanges, first published by 24sight news and later obtained by Axios and CNN, have fueled the firestorm around Gonzales’ conduct.
Gonzales has categorically denied the affair allegations and insists he is the victim of a smear campaign. In a statement to NBC News last week, he said, “I am not going to engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans.” He has also claimed that Santos-Aviles’ husband, Adrian Aviles, is blackmailing him, posting on social media an image of a purported message from the family’s lawyer discussing a $300,000 settlement in exchange for a non-disclosure agreement. “Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death. The public should IMMEDIATELY have full access to the Uvalde Police report,” Gonzales wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Adrian Aviles, for his part, has vehemently denied any attempt at blackmail. On X, he responded, “We have never blackmailed anyone. What we've seen instead is a consistent pattern of evasion, refusal to take accountability, and outright lies to protect your image.” Attorney Bobby Barrera, who represents Aviles, told CNN that Gonzales’ assertion of extortion is “ridiculous.” Barrera also confirmed that Santos-Aviles had confessed to the affair with the congressman in June 2024.
The House Freedom Caucus, a powerful bloc of conservative Republicans, has thrown its support behind Gonzales’ primary opponent, Brandon Herrera, formally endorsing him on February 24, 2026. Herrera, known online as “the AK Guy,” came within 400 votes of defeating Gonzales in a 2024 runoff and is now leading in recent polls. The endorsement represents a significant shift in the intra-party dynamics, as the caucus had backed Herrera in the previous cycle as well.
Despite the mounting pressure, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has resisted calls to force Gonzales out, emphasizing the need for due process and the completion of ongoing investigations. “There are serious accusations, and it must be taken seriously, and I’ve told him he’s got to address that with his constituents and, and he’s in the process of doing that,” Johnson told CNN. “I think as in every case like this, you have to allow the investigations to play out and all the facts to come out.”
Johnson, who had endorsed Gonzales before the allegations surfaced, reiterated his position on February 23, 2026, stating, “It is my understanding there’s an investigation in the state of Texas on these matters and has been going for some time, and the Office of Congressional Conduct has also, it’s been reported, they’ve been looking at it and all of that was news to me. But I … think as in every case like this, you have to allow the investigations to play out and all the facts to come out.” He also stressed the importance of consistency, referencing his opposition to the expulsion of former Rep. George Santos before a verdict was reached: “If the accusation of something is going to be the litmus test for someone being able to continue to serve in the House, you’ll have a lot of people would have to resign or be removed or expelled from Congress.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise echoed Johnson’s stance, telling reporters, “Look, the accusations are very serious and it’s been reported that the Office of Congressional Conduct is doing an investigation right now and that is a serious process. Obviously, I’m watching that closely, want to see where that goes because they are going to be gathering facts and then ultimately if they choose to move it, they go to the ethics committee.”
Complicating matters is the razor-thin Republican majority in the House. With two GOP and one Democratic vacancy, and special elections not set to fill those seats until later in the year, every vote counts. Johnson and his leadership team can afford to lose only one vote on party-line measures, making Gonzales’ potential departure a significant risk for their legislative agenda. The political calculus is further muddied by the possibility of early retirements, such as Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), who is reportedly considering stepping down.
Meanwhile, the Office of Congressional Conduct has been investigating Gonzales for potential violations of House rules since at least November 2025, according to correspondence obtained by Axios. However, the office cannot refer the case to the House Ethics Committee until after the March 3 primary election. The OCC has declined to comment publicly on the ongoing investigation.
For now, the fate of Tony Gonzales remains uncertain. As the primary approaches, the outcome will not only determine his political future but could also tip the balance of power in a closely divided Congress. The episode underscores the deep divisions and high stakes facing House Republicans as they navigate scandal, loyalty, and the demands of accountability in an election year.