Texas lawmaker resigns after admitting affair with aide who died by suicide

Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales resigned from his position on Tuesday, following his admission of an affair with a staff member. The staff member, Regina Santos-Aviles, died in September 2025 by self-immolation near her home in Uvalde, Texas, with her death ruled a suicide. Gonzales had initially denied the allegations, calling them "blackmail," but later confirmed the relationship with the married staff member.

Pressure had been building on Gonzales, a married father-of-six, to resign sooner than his previously announced non-re-election. His resignation came as lawmakers began taking action against colleagues accused of wrongdoing, including opening an ethics investigation into his conduct. This development occurred concurrently with the resignation of California Congressman Eric Swalwell.

Congressman Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, also resigned on Monday after facing sexual misconduct allegations ranging from harassment to assault of a former staff member. Swalwell, who had dropped out of the California governor's race, denied all accusations, calling them "false, fabricated, and deeply offensive." Both resignations, one from each party, were submitted to avoid potential expulsion and allow them to retain pension benefits.