Embattled Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, who just advanced to a runoff in his Texas district’s primary election, admitted on Wednesday that he had an extramarital affair with a staffer who later fatally set herself on fire.
“I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment,” Gonzales said during an interview on “The Joe Pags Show,” a day after Tuesday’s Republican House primary election.
“And there was a lack of faith,” the congressman continued. “And I take full responsibility for those actions.”
Texas GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales and his top aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, with Elon Musk in Eagle Pass in 2023. James Keivom Santos-Aviles died after setting herself on fire. Regina Santos Aviles / Facebook Gonzales indicated that he has “reconciled” with his wife since the May 2024 affair with his late staffer, married mom Regina Santos-Aviles.
“I’ve asked God to forgive me, which he has,” Gonzales said.
“When you make mistakes like this, it’s never easy. It humbles you,” he added.
The House Ethics Committee is investigating Gonzales over the claims that he “engaged in sexual misconduct” with a staffer and “discriminated unfairly” by “dispensing special favors or privileges.”
Gonzales, 45, will face fellow Republican Brandon Herrera in a May 26 runoff after failing to receive a majority of the votes in Texas’ 23rd District on Tuesday.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
