Rep. Tony Gonzales is pushing back against calls to step aside, insisting he will remain in office and continue his reelection bid despite mounting pressure tied to text messages involving a former aide who died last year.
According to the New York Post, the Texas Republican told CNN he is “not going to resign,” while declining to confirm details about the messages or the nature of his relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles. “What you’ve seen is not all the facts,” he said when pressed on the disclosures.
Santos-Aviles, 35, died Sept. 14, 2025, one day after setting herself on fire at her home in Uvalde.
Messages released by her husband show Gonzales asking for intimate photos and discussing personal matters before she said the exchange had gone “too far.”
The revelations have shaken Gonzales’ primary campaign.
Several House Republicans have urged him to resign or drop his reelection effort, while House Speaker Mike Johnson described the allegations as “serious” but said any action should follow the outcome of ethics inquiries.
The National Republican Congressional Committee continues to back Gonzales as the incumbent, though the House Freedom Caucus has endorsed challenger Brandon Herrera. Voters in Texas’ 23rd District will decide the GOP nominee on March 3.
Santos-Aviles worked as Gonzales’ regional director and had been employed in his office since 2021. Her husband, Adrian Aviles, has denied accusations that he publicized the messages for political leverage and rejected claims he sought to “blackmail” the congressman.
According to Aviles and a former colleague, Santos-Aviles and Gonzales met in person in May 2024 during the election cycle. The couple later separated in August after attending counseling.
Aviles and attorney Bobby Barrera had quietly pursued a settlement of up to $300,000 tied to allegations of sexual harassment and workplace retaliation. Gonzales was also reviewed by the Office of Congressional Conduct following earlier reporting on the matter.
Police records released Monday said Santos-Aviles blamed her estranged husband in statements to officers before her death, which was ruled a suicide. Aviles has disputed that account, calling related claims “completely false.”
The reports also noted she had been taking antidepressants and drinking alcohol, sometimes at the same time.
Aviles has previously said she was “not pregnant” and described her as mentally stable prior to the events leading up to her death, though records referenced possible mental health treatment in her youth.
As the primary approaches, Gonzales faces a divided party and ongoing scrutiny, but has made clear he does not plan to leave the race or his seat.
