Texas Lawmaker Resigns After Admitting Affair with Aide Who Died by Suicide

Resignation Follows Acknowledgment of Relationship with Staff Member

Tony Gonzales stepped down from his position in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday, citing an extramarital affair with a staff member who later took her own life. The confession came amid growing scrutiny, with Gonzales facing calls to resign after sexual misconduct claims against California Democrat Eric Swalwell surfaced over the weekend.

Pressure from Previous Scandal and Ethics Probe

The resignation followed a congressional ethics investigation sparked by allegations against Swalwell, which included accusations of sexual harassment and assault. As backlash intensified, lawmakers debated removing both Gonzales and Swalwell from office. To prevent expulsion, the two submitted their resignations, effective immediately. This decision preserves their pension benefits despite the controversy.

Aide’s Death and Gonzales’ Defense

Regina Santos-Aviles, the married staff member involved with Gonzales, died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire near her home in Uvalde, Texas. A medical examiner confirmed her death as a suicide, as reported by CBS News. Gonzales had previously dismissed the allegations as “blackmail” and a “coordinated” effort to undermine him.

Resignations and Political Impact

Gonzales had announced earlier this month that he would not seek re-election in November, but the recent revelations accelerated pressure for his departure. On Monday, Swalwell withdrew from the California governor race and resigned, even as he denied all misconduct claims. His attorney, Sara Azari, called the accusations “false, fabricated, and deeply offensive,” describing them as a “calculated and transparent political hit job.”

Consequences and Congressional Balance

In his resignation letter, Gonzales expressed regret for his past decisions, stating, “It has been my privilege to serve the residents of Texas’s 23rd congressional district.” His resignation, alongside Swalwell’s, does not shift the party balance in Congress, where Republicans maintain a majority. The two-week congressional recess earlier this month allowed lawmakers to address these cases swiftly, with ethics inquiries launched upon their return.

“These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive – a calculated and transparent political hit job,” said Sara Azari, Swalwell’s attorney.