US Consultant Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, has stated he won’t resign regardless of rising strain from fellow lawmakers over allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide.The row centres on textual content messages which seem to point out Gonzales participating in sexually specific exchanges with Santos-Aviles in Might 2024. Within the messages, Gonzales allegedly requested the aide to “ship me a horny pic” and about her “favorite place.” Santos-Aviles responded at one level by saying, “That is going too far boss.”Gonzales has denied having an affair and has described the allegations as politically motivated. He advised reporters he wouldn’t resign and stated that not all info had but come out. “There will probably be a chance for all the small print and info to return out,” he stated.The controversy has drawn consideration as a result of Santos-Aviles later died in September 2025 after setting herself on hearth exterior her house in Uvalde, Texas. Her dying was dominated a suicide by self-immolation.A number of Home Republicans, together with Representatives Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna and Nancy Mace, have publicly referred to as for Gonzales to step down.Home Speaker Mike Johnson and different GOP leaders have expressed concern concerning the seriousness of the allegations however have stopped wanting demanding Gonzales’s resignation whereas investigations proceed. Johnson stated investigations must be allowed to play out earlier than drawing conclusions.Gonzales can also be going through a aggressive Republican major scheduled for March 3, wherein he’s being challenged by Brandon Herrera, a gun rights activist and social media character. US President Donald Trump has beforehand endorsed Gonzales within the race.
