Rep. Tony Gonzales acknowledges relationship with former aide amid House Ethics inquiry and runoff campaign timeline

Admission comes after weeks of allegations and as House Ethics opens a formal investigation

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican whose district includes much of San Antonio and stretches west toward El Paso along the U.S.-Mexico border, publicly addressed allegations of an affair with a former aide during a YouTube interview posted Wednesday evening. In the interview, Gonzales said he “made a mistake” and took responsibility for his actions, adding that he has reconciled with his wife.

The comments marked Gonzales’ clearest public response since allegations surfaced that he had a relationship with former staff member Regina Ann Santos-Aviles. Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire at her home in Uvalde, and the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled the death a suicide.

What Gonzales said on the show

During the YouTube program hosted by conservative talk-radio personality Joe Pagliarulo, Gonzales was asked directly whether he had a relationship with Santos-Aviles. Gonzales responded by acknowledging wrongdoing, describing it as a lapse in judgment and saying he accepted full responsibility. He also stated he had not spoken with Santos-Aviles since June 2024 and said he had no role in her death.

Gonzales said he had “absolutely nothing to do” with Santos-Aviles’ death and described learning of it as shocking.

Ethics investigation and key questions under review

On Wednesday, the U.S. House Ethics Committee announced it was initiating an investigation into Gonzales. The committee’s leaders said an investigative panel would examine whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee in his office and whether he dispensed special favors or privileges, among other issues. House ethics rules generally prohibit lawmakers from engaging in sexual relationships with employees under their supervision.

Separately, Gonzales has previously described the situation as an attempt to pressure him for money. He posted a partial screenshot of an email exchange and asserted he would not be “blackmailed.” An attorney representing Santos-Aviles’ husband rejected that characterization and said the communications reflected discussions about potential legal claims and a possible settlement.

Political backdrop: primary runoff ahead

The developments unfolded as Gonzales faces a renewed political test at home. On Tuesday, he advanced to a May 26 Republican runoff election against Brandon Herrera, a gun-rights influencer and firearms manufacturer who previously challenged Gonzales in 2024. Neither candidate secured a majority in a multi-candidate primary.

Timeline of major developments

• June 2024: Gonzales said he last spoke with Santos-Aviles.

• September 2025: Santos-Aviles died in Uvalde; the death was ruled a suicide by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office.

• February 2026: Allegations and purported text messages became public, prompting calls for Gonzales to resign.

• March 4, 2026: Gonzales addressed the allegations in a YouTube interview; the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation.

The ethics process is expected to determine whether the conduct alleged violated House rules or other standards governing workplace relationships, treatment of employees, and official conduct.