Overview
- Newly published May 2024 messages show Rep. Tony Gonzales, then her boss, pressed Regina Santos-Aviles for a “sexy pic” and sexual conversation, with her twice saying he was going “too far.”
- House Republicans including Nancy Mace, Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna and Thomas Massie have urged him to resign, while Speaker Mike Johnson calls the allegations serious but says the matter will play out with constituents.
- Gonzales denies an affair, says he will not resign, and alleges the disclosures are an attempted blackmail and a coordinated political attack as early voting continues.
- The Office of Congressional Conduct has been reviewing the case since November and must send its recommendation to the Ethics Committee the day after the primary, with any public committee action potentially months away.
- Santos-Aviles’ death was ruled a suicide by self-immolation in September 2025; her husband, Adrian Aviles, released the texts, says he has more, and Uvalde police recently issued a report as some related records remain sealed.