Texas lawmaker admits 'lapse in judgement' in affair with aide

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete March 5, 2026 at 01:17 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales admitted to an affair with staff member Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2023. The admission came after Gonzales previously denied the relationship and as a House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into potential sexual misconduct and misuse of privileges. The investigation will examine if Gonzales unfairly favored Santos-Aviles. Gonzales maintains her death was unrelated to the affair and that she received a standard pay raise. The controversy surfaces ahead of a May primary run-off election where Gonzales seeks to retain his seat in the heavily Republican-leaning district. He faces calls for his resignation from some Republicans.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 40% Nancy Mace 40% Uvalde 40% United States ×250% Republican Party ×250% Brandon Herrera 50% House of Representatives 60% House Ethics Committee 60% Texas ×260% Regina Santos-Aviles ×570% Tony Gonzales ×1090%

Keywords

extra-marital affair 100% tony gonzales 90% ethics investigation 80% suicide 70% primary run-off election 70% sexual misconduct 60% republican 60% house ethics committee 60% lapse in judgement 50%