Congressman Tony Gonzales Pulls Plug on Re-Election After Aide’s Dying

Congressman Tony Gonzales has lastly bowed out on his re-election marketing campaign … simply at some point after admitting he had an affair with a staffer who died by suicide.

Gonzales, a Texas Republican, introduced Thursday evening he was dropping out of the GOP main race in opposition to Brandon Herrera forward of their Could 26 runoff election. Hours later, Herrera declared victory and can now transfer on to the final election for Gonzales’ seat in Texas’ twenty third District.

In an announcementGonzales mentioned after deep reflection — and with the help of his household — he determined to finish his marketing campaign, although he vowed to serve out the rest of his time period.

As you understand … Gonzales got here underneath heavy scrutiny after considered one of his staffers, Regina Santos-Avilesdied by suicide in September 2025 after setting herself on fireplace.

Rumors surfaced that Gonzales — a married father of 6 youngsters — had been having an affair with Santos-Aviles, however the congressman publicly denied the allegations.

The San Antonio Categorical-Information later revealed textual content messages from Santos-Aviles acknowledging she had an affair with Gonzales. Extra textual content exchanges got here to mild, showing to indicate Gonzales requested Santos-Aviles to ship him a “attractive pic.”

Gonzales lastly fessed up to the affair earlier this week on “The Joe Pags Present,” calling it a “mistake” and a “lapse in judgment.”