Under Investigation for Affair, Gonzales to Leave House

Rep. Tony Gonzales announced Monday he will step down from Congress before the House can vote on whether to expel him over his affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a staff member who later died by suicide. "There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office," the Republican posted on X. "It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas." Pressured by GOP leaders, Gonzales had already said he would not run for another term after acknowledging the affair.

The House Ethics Committee had opened an inquiry into possible violations connected to the relationship; that investigation will end when he leaves office, Politico reports. The three-term congressman was facing an expulsion vote in the coming days, per CBS News. GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna had said she thought there were enough votes to expel Gonzales and Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, who announced his resignation just over an hour before Gonzales' post went up. Although they called on him to suspend his campaign, House GOP leaders dealing with a thin majority had not asked Gonzales to resign. Santos-Aviles died in September.