Gonzales defies resignation calls amid alleged staffer affair and related death
Texas Republican Tony Gonzales refused to resign amid Republican pressure over allegations that he pressured a former staffer into a sexual relationship, with explicit texts cited; the staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, died by suicide in 2023. GOP colleagues urged resignation, while House Speaker Mike Johnson said the accusations must be taken seriously but did not call for him to quit. Gonzales denies the affair, claims he’s being blackmailed, and says full facts will emerge as investigations proceed, adding turmoil to his re-election bid in a competitive Republican primary.