U.S. Rep Tony Gonzales (R-TX) has announced he will not seek re-election, following his admission that he had an extramarital affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide, ending months of denials and reshaping an already contentious race in Texas 23rd Congressional District
According to The Post Millennial, Gonzales confirmed his decision in a public statement that framed his career as an extension of a lifelong commitment to service. At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic, Gonzales said. 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.
He emphasized that his approach to governing has been rooted in duty and perseverance, particularly on border security and public safety, two issues central to conservatives in his sprawling border district. "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 added.
Gonzales said his decision not to run again followed deep reflection and came with the backing of his family, signaling a desire to close this chapter while maintaining his responsibilities. Gonzalez said the decision came after deep reflection and with the support of his family, pledging to serve out the remainder of his current term.
He pledged to remain engaged on behalf of his district through the end of his tenure, underscoring his gratitude to the voters who sent him to Washington. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful, Gonzales said.
Earlier in the day, Gonzales publicly acknowledged the affair during an interview with conservative radio host Joe Pags, describing it as a moral failure but insisting he has sought forgiveness and reconciliation. He called the relationship a mistake and lapse in judgment, language that reflects a traditional understanding of personal responsibility often championed on the right.
I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions, Gonzales said. Since then, Ive reconciled with my wife, Angel. Ive asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever.
The Texas Republican also directly addressed speculation surrounding the aides death, rejecting any suggestion that he played a role in the tragedy. I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing. And in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else, he told Pags.
The staffer was identified as 35-year-old Regina Santos-Aviles, a regional district director who had served in Gonzales office since 2021 and worked closely with him in the community. Santos-Aviles died in September after setting herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde, Texas, a small city already scarred by previous tragedy and still central to debates over law, order, and community resilience.
Authorities reported that she doused herself in gasoline before igniting the flames and was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Officials said preliminary findings indicated she was alone when the fire began, and investigators said they had no evidence that anyone else was involved in the incident.
Gonzales departure reshapes the political landscape in a district that has been a key battleground over border enforcement and national security under President Trumps second administration. The announcement comes amid an already competitive race, in which Gonzales had been forced into a runoff after facing a primary challenge from Second Amendment advocate Brandon Herrera, with neither candidate receiving more than 50 percent of the vote.
A runoff had been scheduled for May 23, and the winner was expected to face Democrat Katy Padilla Stout in November, setting up a stark ideological contrast in a district that leans conservative but remains closely watched. With Gonzales stepping aside, Republicans will now look for a nominee who can both uphold strong border and pro-Second Amendment policies and reassure voters seeking integrity and stability in a time of personal and political upheaval.
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