Rep. Tony Gonzales admits to affair with former staffer, calling it a “lapse in judgment”

Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas acknowledged for the primary time Wednesday that he had a relationship with a former staffer who later died by suicide, however alleged the controversy that has engulfed the scenario is “about energy and cash.”

“I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a scarcity of religion, and I take full duty for these actions,” he informed conservative radio host Joe Pags when requested if the alleged affair happened. “Since then, I’ve reconciled with my spouse, Angel. I’ve requested God to forgive me, which he has, and my religion is as robust as ever.” 

CBS Information has obtained a textual content alternate from Might 2024 through which Gonzales despatched specific messages to former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, asking her to ship a “horny pic.” At one level, Gonzales responds: “That is going too far boss.” CBS Information has additionally obtained a message through which Santos-Aviles informed a colleague: “I had affair with our boss and I am wonderful.”

Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on hearth. Her loss of life was dominated a suicide.

Gonzales stated in Wednesday’s interview: “I had completely nothing to do together with her tragic passing. And in reality, I used to be shocked simply as a lot as everybody else.”

The lawmaker spoke to Pags in the future after the GOP major in his Home district alongside the U.S.-Mexico border. Gonzales and hard-right challenger Brandon Herrera will each advance to a runoff election in Might after neither candidate cleared 50% of the vote.

He additionally spoke out simply hours after the Home Ethics Committee introduced an investigation into whether or not Gonzales “engaged in sexual misconduct” with an worker or “discriminated unfairly by allotting particular favors or privileges.”

The Home of Representatives’ code of conduct says lawmakers “could not interact in a sexual relationship with any worker of the Home who works beneath the supervision of the Member.” It additionally bans “unwelcome sexual advances or conduct” towards employees.

For the reason that textual content messages had been made public, Gonzales has confronted calls to resign from members of each events.  

In Wednesday’s interview, Gonzales urged that he would not intend to resign and stated he expects to win the GOP major, noting that it is the third time he has confronted a major runoff. In 2024, Gonzales defeated Herrera by round 400 votes.

Gonzales didn’t provide many specifics on his relationship with Santos-Aviles or touch upon the obvious textual content messages between him and the staffer, saying, “I am going to let the investigation play out.” However he stated, “there’s an entire lot extra to the story.”

Requested if he understands why folks could also be involved a couple of relationship between a boss and a subordinate, Gonzales acknowledged that “it is crucial that we have now the dialog, , on office setting and ensuring that sure issues don’t happen.”

However the congressman additionally argued that media protection of the allegations has been skewed, and urged the controversy is coordinated and politicized.

“From day one, this has been about energy and cash,” Gonzales informed Pags, saying that individuals have “been attacking me for months on this.”

Gonzales additionally stated: “At no time was she reprimanded or rewarded in any kind or style aside from anybody else within the workplace.” He stated a elevate that Santos-Aviles acquired was a part of a “staff-wide pay improve.”

Up to now, Gonzales has denied having an affair with Santos-Aviles. He has additionally urged her husband is making an attempt to blackmail him, posting a letter to X final month through which her husband’s lawyer appeared to hunt a $300,000 settlement with the congressman.

Gonzales reiterated a few of these allegations Wednesday, saying Santos-Aviles’ husband — Adrian Aviles — was “making an attempt to shake me down.”

Aviles’ lawyer, Bobby Barrera, has beforehand denied the extortion claims to CBS Information, calling it a typical confidential settlement letter and accusing Gonzales of “making an attempt to play the sufferer.”

Santos-Aviles and her husband, Adrian Aviles, had an 8-year-old son. Aviles stated in an interview with CBS Information final month: “You ended a household due to your predatorial instincts.”

In case you or somebody is in emotional misery or a suicidal disaster, you may attain the 988 Suicide & Disaster Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You may also chat with the 988 Suicide & Disaster Lifeline right here. 

For extra details about psychological well being care assets and help, The Nationwide Alliance on Psychological Sickness (NAMI) HelpLine may be reached Monday via Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Japanese Time at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or e mail information@nami.org.