Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas declared on April 13, 2026, that he will resign from Congress as he confronts an impending expulsion vote related to an affair with a congressional aide who later died by suicide. He plans to file his retirement paperwork when Congress reconvenes.
Gonzales had previously ended his 2026 reelection campaign in March amid pressure from House Republican leadership after admitting to the affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a staffer. Text messages obtained by CBS News showed Santos-Aviles responding “This is going too far boss” after Gonzales requested intimate photos in 2024. In another exchange with a colleague, Santos-Aviles acknowledged having “an affair with our boss.”
Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 from self-immolation. Details about their relationship triggered bipartisan demands for Gonzales’ resignation earlier this year, although House GOP leaders, wary of their slim majority, had not formally called for his departure before his announcement.
The scrutiny on Gonzales intensified alongside allegations of sexual misconduct against Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) planned to introduce a formal expulsion measure against Gonzales, while Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) sponsored a resolution targeting Swalwell.
Gonzales’ decision to quit came shortly after Swalwell announced he would leave Congress amid similar allegations. The House was scheduled to vote on expulsion for both members later that week. A two-thirds majority is required to expel a member, and such actions would not alter the overall House majority.
Leger Fernández had set a deadline for Gonzales’ resignation to take effect by 2 p.m. Tuesday, warning she would advance the expulsion process if he did not comply.
With both representatives resigning, ongoing House Ethics Committee investigations into their conduct will cease, as the committee lacks jurisdiction over former members.
In a statement, Gonzales reflected, “There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,” offering a brief comment on his resignation.
Why it matters
The resignation of Rep. Tony Gonzales ends a contentious chapter concerning alleged sexual misconduct involving a sitting member of Congress, underlining ongoing challenges Congress faces in addressing ethics violations. The expulsions and resignations of Gonzales and Swalwell signal increased congressional accountability efforts even as tight party margins complicate leadership responses.
Background
Gonzales’ affair with a congressional aide became public knowledge in early 2026 after the aide’s tragic death prompted media scrutiny. The House GOP’s reluctance to force his resignation was influenced by their precarious majority, delaying decisive action until bipartisan pressure mounted. Parallel allegations against Rep. Swalwell intensified calls for disciplinary measures within the House.
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