Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales announced he will not seek reelection in 2026 after several weeks of controversy over his relationship with an aide who later died by suicide. The legislator assured that he will finish his current term in the House of Representatives. In a statement released Thursday night, Gonzales explained that he made the decision after consulting with his family. “After deep reflection and with the support of my beloved family, I have decided not to seek reelection and will continue serving the remainder of this Congress with the same commitment I have always had to my district,” the legislator declared. “For the remainder of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, to whom I am eternally grateful.” His withdrawal from the race comes after Republican leaders, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, publicly urged him to drop out while the allegations against him are investigated. According to press reports, Republican leadership called the allegations “very serious” and urged the Ethics Committee to act swiftly in the case. “The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into the conduct of Congressman Tony Gonzales, and we urge them to act promptly,” Johnson and the three other top Republicans in the House of Representatives said in a statement. “Meanwhile, the Board has requested that Congressman Gonzales withdraw his candidacy for reelection.”

Ethics Investigation

The scandal intensified after Gonzales admitted to having a relationship with his former aide Regina Santos-Aviles, who died in September 2025. Her death was ruled a suicide by Bexar County authorities after she set herself on fire in the yard of her home in Uvalde, Texas.

Gonzales had faced calls for his resignation from several of his fellow Republicans, And the House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday that it would open an investigation into the congressman. The congressman was running for reelection to his seat against Brandon Herrera. Neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote in Tuesday's primary, forcing Gonzales into a runoff election scheduled for May 26.