Texas lawmaker admits 'lapse in judgement' in affair with aide
The admission from the married Republican, Tony Gonzales, comes after a House panel launched an ethics investigation.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I take full responsibility for my actions."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"When you make mistakes like this, you know, it's never easy."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"I've asked God to forgive me, which he has."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"predatory behaviour"
— Nancy Mace , Politician
"The deterioration of her mental state was exacerbated by the conduct Tony engaged in."
— Bobby Barrera , Other
"I made a mistake and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"I absolutely can, and I am."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"Very direct, Pags, I made a mistake – I had a lapse in judgment and it was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"What you’ve seen is not all the facts."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"From day one, this has been about power and money."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"2 weeks ago this man called me a liar because I accused him of committing the heinous acts that he just publicly admitted to doing."
— Brandon Herrera , Activist
"At no time was she reprimanded or rewarded in any form or fashion other than anyone else in the office."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"I take full responsibility for those actions."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
"To be frank, this has been, from day one, this has been about power and money."
— Tony Gonzales , Politician
Key People
Husband of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles who claimed to have discovered the alleged affair.
Angel Gonzales is the wife of Rep. Tony Gonzales.
Lawyer representing Adrian Aviles, husband of Regina Santos-Aviles.
A gun rights activist challenging Tony Gonzales in a primary election.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Joe Pags is a conservative media personality.
Representative from South Carolina calling the allegations against Gonzales disturbing.
Former staffer of Tony Gonzales who died under tragic circumstances.
A former aide to Tony Gonzales who died by suicide after alleged text messages were revealed.
A Republican Representative from Texas facing calls for resignation over alleged affair with a staffer.
Tags
All Coverage
The admission from the married Republican, Tony Gonzales, comes after a House panel launched an ethics investigation.
Rep. Tony Gonzales admitted to an affair with former aide Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. The House Ethics Committee has initiated an investigation into the matter.
Rep. Tony Gonzales acknowledged an affair with aide Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. The House Ethics Committee is investigating the allegations.
Rep. Tony Gonzales admitted to an affair with former staffer Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. The House Ethics Committee is investigating the matter.
Rep. Tony Gonzales acknowledged an affair with former staffer Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. The House Ethics Committee is investigating the allegations.
Rep. Tony Gonzales admitted to an affair with former staffer Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. The House Ethics Committee is investigating the matter.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Mangione state murder trial postponed after federal guilty plea in CEO killing
Mangione admitted to killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Friday, after which his lawyers moved to dismiss the state case.
August 17, 2026 at 11:27 PMMangione admits killing healthcare CEO and pleads guilty to federal charges
"I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan and he died," the 28-year-old said after pleading guilty to charges of stalking resulting in death.
August 14, 2026 at 07:20 PM'I shot Mr Thompson'- What it was like inside court as Mangione pleaded guilty
It marked the first time a court had heard Mangione describe how he committed a crime that garnered worldwide attention.
August 14, 2026 at 06:54 PMLuigi Mangione's state murder trial is postponed after federal guilty plea - Reuters
Luigi Mangione's state murder trial is postponed after federal guilty plea Reuters
August 17, 2026 at 10:03 PMLuigi Mangione admits killing insurance CEO, pleads guilty in federal case - Reuters
Luigi Mangione admits killing insurance CEO, pleads guilty in federal case Reuters
August 14, 2026 at 07:00 PMMangione lawyers to meet federal prosecutors amid reports of plea deal
Mangione faces two federal charges of stalking resulting in death, each carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison.
August 13, 2026 at 06:45 PM