UVALDE, TX — Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) is currently battling for his political life as a series of explicit text messages has sparked a mutiny within his own party. With the March 3 primary just days away, high-profile Republicans are calling for his immediate resignation or withdrawal from the race.
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The scandal centers on newly released text messages between Gonzales and a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who served as his regional director.
- The Content: Texts from May 2024 allegedly show Gonzales pressuring Santos-Aviles for “sexy pics” and asking about sexual positions.
- The Rejection: Records show Santos-Aviles pushed back, telling the Congressman he was “going too far.”
- The Tragedy: Santos-Aviles died by self-immolation in September 2025. Her husband, Adrian Aviles, has since publicly accused Gonzales of a predatory “abuse of power” that contributed to his wife’s mental decline.
The Political Fallout
The revelations have split House Republicans, with many of Gonzales’s colleagues turning against him:
- Demanding Resignation: Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) and Nancy Mace (R-SC) have been the most vocal, with Mace describing the messages as “disgusting and inexcusable.”
- Urging Withdrawal: Texas Rep. Brandon Gill and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) have called for Gonzales to drop out of the 2026 race to avoid “dishonoring the House.”
- Leadership’s Stance: Speaker Mike Johnson has acknowledged the “very serious” nature of the texts but has resisted calling for a resignation, stating that the House Ethics process must be allowed to conclude.
The Primary Battle: Gonzales vs. Herrera
The timing is catastrophic for the incumbent, who is facing a rematch against Brandon Herrera (the “AK Guy”).
- Narrow Margin: Gonzales defeated Herrera by fewer than 400 votes in 2024.
- Endorsements: The House Freedom Caucus officially endorsed Herrera on February 24, 2026, signaling a major shift in support toward the challenger.
- The Defense: Gonzales has dismissed the scandal as a “coordinated political attack” and “blackmail,” vowing to remain in the race.
What’s Next?
- Ethics Report: The Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) is expected to hand its findings to the House Ethics Committee soon.
- March 3rd Primary: Voters in Texas’s 23rd District will decide if the scandal is a deal-breaker at the ballot box.
