House Republicans are calling for Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, to step down after he was accused of coercing a sexual relationship with a staff member who later died by suicide. The calls stem from newly released text messages, allegedly between Gonzales and the staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who set herself on fire in September 2025.
Reps. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo; Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.; and Nancy Mace, R-S.C., spoke out against Gonzales on Monday, with Mace calling his alleged actions “disgusting and inexcusable.”
“This kind of abuse of power has no place anywhere, let alone in Congress,” Boebert told Politico, “and Tony Gonzales should be ashamed and RESIGN IMMEDIATELY!”
In a post on X, Luna said every member of Congress should condemn a sitting member who asked for explicit photos of a staff member.
“As a woman, this is really disgusting to see,” Luna said. “Not to mention, it brings dishonor on the House of Representatives. I am so sick of people not calling this crap out.”
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., joined the women on Tuesday calling for his resignation.
“Where are the other men in the GOP?” Massie said in a post on X. “Trump is infamous for making terrible endorsements — this is one and it should be revoked.”
Accusations against Gonzales
Gonzales has denied having a relationship with Santos-Aviles, saying he was being blackmailed.
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Relationships between lawmakers and staff violate House rules and are considered a violation of congressional ethics.
Now, text messages between the two have come to light, with Santos-Aviles’ husband calling them “substantial” and “graphic.”
According to the San Antonio Express-News, the texts show Gonzales asked Santos-Aviles for explicit photos, and the two planned to meet up while he was on the campaign trail in Uvalde, Texas. He reportedly asked her sexually explicit questions, and at one point, she told him he was going “too far.”
The texts also revealed that the two made plans to spend time together on two occasions at cabins belonging to Gonzales’ family in the Texas Hill Country.
Straight Arrow News has not verified the text messages.
Gonzales is in his third term representing a South Texas district. He’s seeking re-election in what’s shaping up to be a competitive primary race against Brandon Herrera.
Assault transparency on The Hill
Mace called out Gonzales again Tuesday, saying sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill should be exposed.
“You can sexually harass your employees on the hill, and there is literally no accountability,” she said. “No responsibility. No transparency.”
Mace said she filed a resolution Monday night that would “expose sexual harassment by members of Congress.” However, she did not share any additional specifics on the resolution.
Editor’s Note: This article discusses suicide. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Visit the National Crisis Line website or call or text 988 for immediate support.
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