Rep. Tony Gonzalez’s Surprise Resignation
Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas), who acknowledged inappropriate behavior with a former staffer earlier this year, announced his resignation from Congress on Monday night. This comes amid mounting pressures and calls for him to step down.
Currently, Gonzalez is facing a potential expulsion vote as early as this week.
In a social media post, he stated, “There is a season for everything and God has a plan for all of us. When Congress reconvenes tomorrow, I will be submitting my resignation. It has been an honor to serve the great people of Texas.”
Details about the timing of his official resignation remain unclear, and a spokesperson for Gonzalez has not provided further commentary.
Gonzalez has been under bipartisan pressure to resign, particularly following his admission of an affair with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who tragically self-immolated. Following this, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) indicated that she would initiate an expulsion resolution if he did not resign immediately. “He has until 2 PM tomorrow to apply for expulsion. He should write his resignation with immediate effect,” she posted online.
Initially, Gonzalez admitted to the affair during a radio interview in March, after previously denying any sexual relationship. He expressed regret, saying, “I made a mistake, I had poor judgment, I lacked faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions.” He added that he has reconciled with his wife and reaffirmed his faith.
Despite being married with six children, Gonzalez has denied a separate accusation of sexual misconduct involving another former aide. House rules explicitly prohibit members from engaging in sexual relations with staffers.
His resignation announcement came shortly after California Rep. Eric Swalwell indicated his own plans to resign due to serious allegations of sexual misconduct and rape. Swalwell’s exact departure date has not yet been announced.
Like Gonzalez, Swalwell is also facing scrutiny, with a potential expulsion vote being discussed, driven by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.). She emphasized the need for Congress to address these issues to regain trust with the public.
A two-thirds majority is needed to expel any member from Congress.
Gonzalez, who has served three terms, previously suspended his reelection campaign in March after House Republican leaders requested that he withdraw.
Afterward, support shifted to conservative activist Brandon Herrera, who is opposing Gonzalez for the Republican nomination.
Both Gonzalez and Swalwell are under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which may cease its inquiry if they resign. House leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, had stressed the importance of allowing the Ethics Committee to finish its investigation before considering actions like expulsion.
These two resignations could potentially alter the narrow Republican majority in the House. However, Congressman-elect Clay Fuller (R-Ga.), who won a special election to replace former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R), is set to be sworn in soon.
