Texas Rep. Gonzales Announces Retirement Amid Ethics Probe

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas's 23rd Congressional District, announced on Monday that he will retire from Congress, citing personal reflection amid an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Gonzales stated, "There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas." The 45-year-old Navy veteran, first elected in 2020, plans to complete his current term but provided no specific timeline for his departure. A spokesperson for Gonzales did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

The announcement follows months of scrutiny over Gonzales's admission in March 2026 of an extramarital affair with Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, a married staffer in his Uvalde regional office. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2025 after dousing herself in gasoline and igniting it outside her home, according to fire department and police reports that found no evidence of foul play. Gonzales has denied any involvement in her death and stated he took full...