Scandal Shifts TX-23 Race as Rep. Gonzales Withdraws from Reelection
His departure reshapes the May runoff after admitting to a relationship with a former staffer who died in 2025.
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX23) has withdrawn from his reelection campaign following revelations about an affair with a former staff member whose death in 2025 drew national attention.
Gonzales, a Republican representing Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, announced late Thursday that he would no longer seek another term in Congress after acknowledging a sexual relationship with a former aide who later died by suicide.
In a statement posted on social media, Gonzales said he would still complete the remainder of his current term.
Statement by Rep. Tony Gonzales
In his public statement announcing his decision to end his reelection campaign, Rep. Tony Gonzales said:
“Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful.”
He also addressed the affair during a radio interview, stating:
“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 advanced to a runoff in the March 3 Republican primary against Brandon Herrera. The primary results put Herrera ahead with 43.33% of the vote to Gonzales’ 41.73%, setting up a runoff election scheduled for May 26.
Questions surrounding Gonzales intensified in recent weeks after text messages surfaced that allegedly showed communications between the congressman and his former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles.
Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after authorities found her on fire outside her home, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation on March 4 into Gonzales’ conduct while in office.