Calls for Gonzalez’s Resignation After Controversy

In Washington, there’s growing pressure on Congressman Tony Gonzalez to step down or refrain from seeking re-election. This follows revelations of an “adult affair” with a staff member, along with a harrowing incident involving an attempted suicide by arson. Some making these calls have previously accepted campaign funds from Gonzalez’s Political Action Committees.

Representatives Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), and Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) were quick to voice their concerns after explicit messages surfaced between Gonzalez and the late Regional Director, Regina Santos-Aviles.

Boebert didn’t hold back, expressing her outrage, stating, “He’s a disgusting pig. The speaker should do something about it,” during a CNN interview.

Luna acknowledged the implications for her own political interests but maintained her stance, saying, “I do not excuse his actions and would encourage him to consider resigning.” Mace expressed her agreement, stating, “Given what we’ve seen so far, he should resign.”

Interestingly, both Luna and Mace had received donations from the Honor Courage Commitment PAC, established by Gonzalez in 2021. These funds, amounting to $20,000 and $1,000 respectively, came in well before the recent scandal came to light.

Since 2020, Gonzalez’s PACs have funneled over $450,000 to other Republican campaigns, focusing largely on districts perceived as competitive.

Donations last year included $10,000 to Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and $5,000 to Rep. Monica de la Cruz (R-Texas). All of this occurred prior to the revelations about Gonzalez’s alleged extramarital affairs.

De la Cruz expressed her sorrow, saying, “There is a young woman who tragically died.” She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, highlighting the sensitive nature of the case.

Notably, in November 2025, McCaul’s campaign also benefitted from a $5,000 donation from Gonzalez’s PAC, mere months after Santos-Aviles’s tragic death.

“Everyone is entitled to due process,” McCaul remarked, while stating he hopes the allegations are unfounded. He labeled the situation “very sad.”

Other Republican representatives, like Keith Self and Tim Burchett, have echoed the call for Gonzalez to resign or exit the primary race.

Despite the mounting pressure, Gonzalez, who is married with six children, has stated he will not resign. He has accused the widow of Santos-Aviles of attempting to “blackmail” him over text messages.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson referred to the allegations as “very serious,” but insisted that an ethics investigation is necessary before taking further steps. The Congressional Conduct Office has been looking into Gonzalez’s actions and may refer findings to the Ethics Committee, which could lead to disciplinary measures if misconduct is confirmed.

In the meantime, Mace has announced plans to push for a vote calling for the release of all sexual misconduct and harassment reports involving Congressional members.

Regarding the affair, text messages obtained indicate that Gonzalez did have inappropriate interactions with Santos-Aviles in May 2024. One particular message, “Send me one last sexy photo,” exemplifies the nature of their exchanges.

Santos-Aviles’s widow has shared conflicting views about her mental state leading up to her tragic death. Despite a police report noting her use of antidepressants and alcohol, her husband claimed she was stable prior to the incident.

A colleague recounted a change in Santos-Aviles, describing her as previously composed but distinctly altered after the affair became public.

Requests for comments from various representatives remained unanswered amidst the unfolding drama.