Rep. Tony Gonzales addresses attendees at a press event concerning enhancements to school safety at North East Independent School District, positioned in front of the new Wilshire Safety Training Center, Feb. 6, 2026.Blaine Young/The San Antonio Express-News via AP
Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales declared on Monday his intention to resign from Congress on Tuesday amidst looming threats of expulsion stemming from an extramarital liaison with a staff member.
“Each thing has its own time, and the Lord has a design for us all. When the legislature reconvenes, I will tender my resignation from my position. It has been an honor to represent the wonderful citizens of Texas,” Gonzales penned in a statement released on X.
The prior month, Gonzales abandoned his effort for reelection after receiving calls from Republican leaders in the House to withdraw from the contest following his acknowledgement of an affair with a staffer who later took her own life. At that juncture, he affirmed his commitment to fulfill the duration of his term, slated to end in January.
Given that he is not seeking another term, Gonzales’ choice to now pursue “retirement” signifies his intention to vacate his present term prematurely. The precise timing of his departure from Congress remains uncertain.
Gonzales was anticipated to face an expulsion vote in Congress potentially this week, requiring a two-thirds majority for approval. Representatives from both political parties, including notable Republicans, have openly advocated for Gonzales’ removal or resignation.
Rep. Tony Gonzales speaks during a news conference about school safety enhancements at North East Independent School District in front of the new Wilshire Safety Training Center, Feb. 6, 2026.Blaine Young/The San Antonio Express-News via AP
The announcement of the congressman’s intention to step down closely followed the announcement of Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell’s resignation in light of accusations of sexual assault and improper conduct.
Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, having recently denounced Gonzales’ actions, voiced her agreement with the congressman’s announcement on Monday. “This was the correct decision,” she posted on X.
Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez is similarly urging that the Texas Republican’s resignation take effect “immediately.”
“He has until 2PM tomorrow—when we will file his expulsion. He better write that resignation “effective immediately,” she shared on X.
The previous month, Gonzales confessed to engaging in a relationship with his former staffer, Regina Santos Aviles, who passed away last September before the allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced — stating he “erred” and “demonstrated poor judgement.”
The House Ethics Committee had equally initiated a probe into allegations that he “may have: (1) been involved in sexual impropriety involving an individual employed in his congressional office; and/or (2) treated someone unfairly by granting them special advantages or privileges.”
Just last week, Gonzales encountered new allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a campaign staffer. The San Antonio Express Times allegedly secured text messages between Gonzales and the political director of his 2020 congressional campaign which purportedly reveal Gonzales repeatedly requesting sexually suggestive photographs.
ABC News had not separately verified the validity of the texts that surfaced last week, and Gonzales’ office offered no response when asked for comment.
In accordance with Texas state regulations, Gonzales’ congressional seat would probably be filled through a special election called by the governor. A representative for Texas Gov. Greg Abbot did not promptly provide guidance on the timeline of a prospective special election.
ABC News similarly reached out to the Texas Secretary of State’s office regarding the protocol for substituting a departing member of Congress but did not promptly receive a response.
Gonzales has been representing Texas’s 23rd district since 2021. This district, located within the San Antonio region, will hold an election in November between Republican gun rights advocate Brandon Herrera and Democratic attorney Katy Padilla Stout.
Gonzales and Herrera had formerly engaged in an intense rivalry for the Republican nomination for TX-23, progressing to a runoff election following neither candidate securing over 50% of the vote.
With the expected departures of Gonzales and Swalwell from Congress, the margins in the House of Representatives will remain close. House Democrats will possess 213 members, while Republicans will have 218 – incorporating Independent Rep. Kevin Kiley, who maintains affiliations with Republicans, and the addition of Republican Rep. Clay Fuller of Georgia, who is projected to be sworn in on Tuesday.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com