WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, announced he plans to file for retirement once Congress returns to session on Tuesday after details were revealed about an affair he had with a staffer who later died by suicide.
Gonzales did not say Monday whether his retirement will take place immediately.
The post, which was published at 5:30 p.m. Monday, comes as bipartisan support mounted for expulsion measures against both Gonzales and Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif.
There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) April 13, 2026
Gonzales’ announcement came about an hour after Swalwell said he would be resigning from Congress, as he also confronted allegations of sexual misconduct.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-New Mexico, said that congressmembers were “not backing down” on expulsion measures against Gonzales following Swalwell’s announcement.
The Republican representative previously announced he would not seek reelection, following months of scrutiny against him for his affair with Uvalde-based staffer Regina Santos-Aviles and calls to drop his bid from House Republican leadership.
The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into the San Antonio congressman to determine whether he “engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his office” and “discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges.”
House rules prohibit members of Congress from engaging in sexual relationships with their employees.
Gonzales refused to address allegations about the affair for months, dodging questions from KSAT in November, which was the first public appearance made since the Sept. 14 report.
The San Antonio Express-News reported that Gonzales also allegedly asked a staffer for nude photos and attempted to start a sexual relationship with her during his 2020 campaign.
Gov. Greg Abbott has the power to call a special election to fill his seat, should he choose to do so.
Bobby Barrera — who is representing Adrian Aviles, Santos-Aviles’ widower — told KSAT in a statement that Gonzales’ resignation was a result of “intense pressure” from other congressional members.
“His resignation was long overdue. And clearly, it only came about as a result of intense pressure from other congressional members,” Barrera said. “It represents a vindication of his victims, including Regina Aviles. But he should get no credit for doing the right thing.”
In a statement to KSAT, Democratic nominee for Congressional District 23 Katy Padilla Stout said Gonzales’ resignation “comes far too late.” Her full statement can be read below:
“Tony Gonzales’ immediate resignation is a necessary step, but it comes far too late and does not undo the damage he caused or the failure of Republican leaders to act. For months, the people of Texas’ 23rd District watched serious allegations met with silence, deflection and inaction.
“The voters of Texas’ 23rd district have had inadequate and corrupt representation for far too long. I look forward to Governor Abbott calling a special election at the earliest possible date to ensure that the people of TX-23 do not go without a voice in Congress.
“The hard working people of this district have not had the full attention of their representative in Congress, as they should. They should be afforded an opportunity to elect a representative from this district who shares their values and work ethic.”
Katy Padilla Stout
The Associated Press and Texas Tribune contributed to this report.
KSAT Investigates has been following through on the allegations against Rep. Tony Gonzales. Read more of our reporting below:
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