A Texas Republican lawmaker says his time in Congress will end after his current term as scrutiny grows over a relationship he acknowledged having with a former staffer.
According to Fox News, Tony Gonzales announced Thursday evening that he will not run for re-election while a House Ethics investigation examines the circumstances surrounding the affair.
The announcement came just a day after Gonzales publicly admitted to the relationship during a conservative talk radio appearance.Â
His admission followed news that the House Ethics Committee had opened an investigation into whether the relationship involved misconduct with former staff member, Regina Santos-Aviles.
Santos-Aviles, 35, died Sept. 14, 2025, one day after setting herself on fire at her home in Uvalde.
Despite the controversy, Gonzales had advanced to a runoff in the Republican primary for his congressional district before deciding to step away from another campaign.
In a statement, the congressman reflected on his career in public service and the path that led him to Washington.
“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,” Gonzales said in a statement.
The lawmaker, a married father of six, also highlighted some of the issues he says defined his time in office, including border security and responding to tragedy in his home state.
“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,” he continued.
Gonzales said he reached his decision after discussing the situation with his family.
“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,” he added. “Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful.”
Meanwhile, the House Ethics Committee launched its investigation on Wednesday.
The panel is examining whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct with a female staff member and whether the relationship involved special treatment or privileges.
Gonzales’ decision means he will finish his current term in Congress but will not seek another. The Ethics Committee’s review into the allegations remains ongoing.
