Texas lawmaker ends re-election bid after admitting to affair with ex-staffer

"After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election. The House ethics committee said it had opened an investigation into allegations into the representative, including his affair with Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died at age 35 last September."

"The top Republican and Democratic members on the committee said in a joint statement that an investigative panel would look into whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee in his office and whether he discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges."

"We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, leadership has asked congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for reelection."

Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican congressman, announced he will not seek re-election following pressure from party leadership and after admitting to an affair with former staff member Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide at age 35 in September. The House ethics committee opened an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and potential discrimination. Gonzales initially denied the relationship repeatedly before acknowledging it. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders called for his withdrawal from the race after he admitted the affair. Gonzales stated he made the decision after deep reflection with family support and will serve out his current term.

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