A Republican congressman embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a former aide who died by suicide has withdrawn from his Texas primary runoff, handing victory to a conservative challenger backed by the House Freedom Caucus.
Gonzales Exits Race After Scandal Intensifies
Rep. Tony Gonzales announced his withdrawal from the May 26, 2026 runoff election against Brandon Herrera, ending a tumultuous campaign marked by personal scandal and party division. Gonzales failed to secure fifty percent of the vote in the March 4 primary, forcing the runoff in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. The congressman, first elected in 2020, had narrowly defeated Herrera by just 400 votes in their previous 2024 matchup. His decision to drop out came after weeks of mounting pressure from fellow Republicans demanding his resignation over allegations involving his deceased former aide.
GOP Congressman Caught Up In Sex Suicide Scandal Drops Out Of Race: "God has a plan for all of us" https://t.co/NwixdvKMTv
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) March 6, 2026
Inappropriate Relationship Allegations Surface
The controversy centers on Regina Santos-Aviles, a former aide to Gonzales who died by suicide in September 2025 after setting herself on fire. Text messages between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles revealed the congressman asked her for “sexy pics” and inquired about her “favorite position,” despite being married with six children. Gonzales has consistently denied having an affair with Santos-Aviles and accused her husband of attempted blackmail. The explosive nature of these allegations eroded support among Republican colleagues and voters in a district representing over 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, redrawn in 2021 to favor Republican candidates.
Rep Tony Gonzales has dropped out of his reelection race amid the scandal and after consulting his family. https://t.co/pqmDgJRG3c
— Kit Marlowe (@marloweKit) March 6, 2026
Conservative Challenger Secures Victory
Brandon Herrera, a gun rights activist and social media influencer, now claims the Republican nomination unopposed following Gonzales’ exit. Herrera secured endorsement from the House Freedom Caucus, signaling strong support from the party’s conservative wing. His platform emphasizes Second Amendment protections and border security, resonating with voters frustrated by establishment Republicans who compromise on core principles. Herrera’s victory represents a win for grassroots conservatives demanding representatives who prioritize constitutional rights and traditional values over political expediency. The district’s Republican lean virtually guarantees Herrera’s election to Congress in November 2026.
Republican Leadership Divided on Response
Multiple House Republicans publicly called for Gonzales to resign before his withdrawal, including Reps. Nancy Mace, Eli Crane, and Mark Harris. Several GOP members privately expressed hope that Gonzales would lose, preferring voters settle the matter rather than forcing him out. Retiring Rep. Troy Nehls argued against removal without due process, highlighting divisions within the party over handling internal controversies. The scandal and subsequent withdrawal underscore growing tensions between establishment Republicans willing to overlook personal failings and conservative members demanding accountability. Gonzales’ exit allows the party to move forward with a candidate unburdened by scandal heading into the general election cycle.
BREAKING: The husband of Rep. Tony Gonzales’ ex-staffer said he has all of the “sick” messages Gonzales sent his wife, and has only released “a tip of the iceberg”@RepTonyGonzales RESIGN! pic.twitter.com/5xRTSQ9HU3
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) February 26, 2026
Sources:
Republican congressman accused of affair with late aide to face runoff election
GOP leaders call on Rep. Tony Gonzales to drop his bid for reelection