Far-Right Republicans Turn on Gonzales After Reported Affair

Feb. 23, 2026, 8:58 PM UTC

Intraparty pressure is building on GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales over allegations of an affair with a former staffer who died by suicide.

With a competitive primary election in just over a week, Gonzales faces allegations that he pressured district aide Regina Ann Santos-Aviles into a sexual relationship before she set herself on fire last year. Gonzales, who is married and has children, has accused his opposition of blackmail and political attacks.

While the affair allegations aren’t new, some House Republicans are openly criticizing Gonzales after reported text messages showed him asking for an explicit photo of the staffer. Most calls ...

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