On Thursday, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX-23) announced he would not seek reelection to Congress. This came after exposure of his affair with his now-deceased regional district director, Regina Santos-Aviles, and pressure from House Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP House leadership to suspend his campaign.
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) March 6, 2026
At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. During my 20 years in the military and three terms in Congress, I have fought for that cause with absolute dedication to the country that I love.
From overcoming the border crisis to taking a stand with my communities after the worst school shooting in Texas' history, my philosophy has never changed: do as much as you can, and always fight for the greater good.
After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful.
God has a plan for all of us.
As stated above, Gonzales plans to complete the remainder of his term, which ends in January of 2027. Had Gonzales remained in the TX-23 race, he would have faced a May runoff with leading Republican candidate and 2A rights advocate Brandon Herrera. Herrera now ascends to the November midterms as the official GOP candidate, where he will face Democrat Katy Padilla Stout, an attorney and educator, for the TX-23 seat.
Herrera responded to Gonzales' above post and thanked him for "making the appropriate decision."
I appreciate Tony Gonzales for making the appropriate decision.
— Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) March 6, 2026
I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves. From the border, to oil theft, water rights, data centers, and many other issues.
It’s an honor to be chosen and together we will make Texas… https://t.co/oJMXtmwHSq
I appreciate Tony Gonzales for making the appropriate decision.
I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves. From the border, to oil theft, water rights, data centers, and many other issues.
It’s an honor to be chosen and together we will make Texas proud.
As RedState reported, when the news surfaced last year that staffer Regina Santos-Aviles immolated herself, Gonzales battled against the affair rumors and his complicity in her suicide. Gonzales, as well as House leadership, would not comment on the tragedy, but in and outside of the House of Representatives, calls began to mount for an ethics probe into Gonzales.
On Wednesday, the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation on Gonzales.
NEW: One day after the Texas primary, the House Ethics Committee announces its investigation into GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales pic.twitter.com/dfRSWck4VY
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) March 4, 2026
Read More: After Admitting Affair With Staffer Who Died Tragically, Tony Gonzales Is Fighting for His Seat
Staffer to a Texas Republican Rep. Sets Herself Aflame, Raising Allegations of an Affair
On Thursday, Gonzales appeared on a radio show and admitted to host Joe Pagliarulo (JoePags) that he had an affair with Santos-Aviles, but maintained that he had nothing to do with her tragic death. Gonzales also claimed the pressure to drive him out of the House was a political hit and a money grab.
Thursday evening, Gonzales posted to X, stating he was suspending his reelection bid.
Editor's Note: The Democrats are doing everything in their power to undermine the integrity of our elections.
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