Rep. Tony Gonzalez, a Republican from Texas, said he would not resign despite mounting pressure over allegations he had an inappropriate relationship with former staffer Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide.At issue are text messages that appear to show Gonzalez having sexually explicit communications with Santos-Aviles in May 2024. In the text message, Gonzalez allegedly asked the assistant to “send me a sexy photo” and describe her “favorite pose.” Santos Aviles responded at one point: “Boss, this is too much.”Gonzalez has denied having an affair and said the accusations were politically motivated. He told reporters he would not resign and said all the facts were yet to come out. “There is an opportunity for all details and facts to be revealed,” he said.The controversy drew attention because Santos-Avilez later died in September 2025 by setting himself on fire outside his home in Uvalde, Texas. Her death was ruled a suicide by self-immolation.Several House Republicans, including Reps. Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, Ana Paulina Luna and Nancy Mace, have publicly called for Gonzalez to step down.House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders expressed concern about the seriousness of the allegations but stopped short of calling for Gonzalez to resign while the investigation continues. Johnson said an investigation should be conducted before conclusions are drawn.Gonzalez also faces a hotly contested Republican primary scheduled for March 3, in which he is being challenged by gun rights activist and social media personality Brandon Herrera. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously endorsed Gonzalez’s candidacy.
