Sign up for TPR Today, Texas Public Radio's newsletter that brings our top stories to your inbox each morning.
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales has acknowledged having an extramarital affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide, as the House Ethics Committee investigates allegations involving the relationship.
The allegations first surfaced during early voting in Gonzales' GOP primary. At the time, Gonzales denied the claims.
On Wednesday, Gonzales publicly acknowledged the relationship for the first time, speaking on the conservative radio program, "The Joe Pags Show."
"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, I've reconciled with my wife, Angel. I've asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever."
The admission comes as Gonzales faces scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee over the relationship and a Republican primary runoff against Brandon Herrera, who has called on the congressman to resign.
The House Ethics Committee announced last month that it had opened an investigation into Gonzales, who represents Texas' 23rd Congressional District, following reports about the relationship.
House rules prohibit members of Congress from engaging in sexual relationships with employees under their supervision. Investigators are expected to examine whether Gonzales violated those rules or other standards of conduct.
Santos-Aviles previously served as Gonzales' Uvalde regional district director. She died by suicide in September 2025, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner. Authorities said she set herself on fire outside her residence.
Gonzales has said he will cooperate with the committee's investigation and does not plan to resign from Congress.
Copyright 2026 Texas Public Radio
