House Republican leaders have formally called on Texas Representative Tony Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid. The demand comes just hours after the congressman admitted to an extramarital affair with a former staff member who took her own life in September 2025.
In a joint statement, Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Whip Tom Emmer, and Chairwoman Lisa McClain requested that the three-term lawmaker step aside.
“The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzales’s conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously,” the leadership group stated. “Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election.”
The admission occurred Wednesday night during an appearance on the “Unshaken and Unafraid with Joe Page” podcast. Gonzales, a married father of six, confirmed he had a relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, a married former aide. Santos-Aviles died by suicide last year.
Addressing the situation on the podcast, Gonzales stated, “I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment.” He added that he has “reconciled” with his wife and asked for religious forgiveness.
The House Ethics Committee launched its investigation the morning after the Texas primary, where Gonzales was forced into a May 26 runoff against gun rights YouTuber Brandon Herrera.
While the Republican leadership has pulled its support, President Donald Trump has not yet rescinded his previous endorsement of the Texas incumbent.
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