U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated that he will not demand the resignation of Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales amid allegations of a sexting scandal involving a former staff member. Johnson emphasized the importance of allowing the situation to unfold without premature judgments, even as pressure mounts from within the Republican Party for Gonzales to step down.
Johnson remarked, “I’ve said to him publicly and privately, he’s got to address that directly and head on with his constituents.” With a primary election approaching in less than a week, he stressed the need for the process to run its course. He described the accusations against Gonzales, which include claims of an affair and coercion for explicit photos, as “alarming and detestable.”
The allegations come in the wake of the tragic death of the staff member, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by self-immolation in September 2025. Her passing was ruled a suicide by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Calls for Gonzales to resign have echoed from several House members, including Nancy Mace, Anna Paulina Luna, Lauren Boebert, and Thomas Massie. Despite the mounting pressure, Gonzales has insisted that he will not resign, and Johnson appeared to back his decision to remain in office. “These are very serious allegations,” Johnson noted, “but we have to allow the process here to play out as always.”
In response to the unrest among some GOP members, Boebert tweeted a stark message urging Gonzales to “RESIGN!” Meanwhile, Mace has proposed a resolution aimed at preserving and publicly releasing records related to investigations of sexual harassment and misconduct in Congress. “The American people deserve answers,” she stated, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Luna criticized the Congressional Ethics Committee for its perceived inadequacy in addressing misconduct, stating, “Congressional ethics is a joke.” She expressed frustration over the lack of action against members involved in inappropriate behavior, declaring, “This behavior is reprehensible and a poor reflection on the Republican Party.”
Gonzales has countered the allegations by claiming they are part of a blackmail scheme. He shared a letter from the attorney representing Santos-Aviles’ husband, which hinted at potential legal action against him and a settlement involving a non-disclosure agreement. Gonzales responded defiantly, asserting, “I will not be blackmailed,” and labeled the situation a “coordinated political attack.”
As Gonzales faces a significant challenge in the upcoming Republican primary for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, he is up against Brandon Herrera, a gun manufacturer and business owner. The two previously competed in the 2024 primary, which Gonzales won by a narrow margin of just 354 votes.
The controversy surrounding Gonzales unfolds as early voting for the Texas primaries is set to begin, with election day scheduled for March 3.
If you or someone you know is in distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free and confidential emotional support 24/7. You can reach them at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line. As of July 2022, individuals can also call 988 for assistance.
