House GOP leaders ask Rep. Tony Gonzales to drop re-election bid after he admitted to affair with staffer who set herself on fire

Republican leaders in the House of Representatives publicly asked Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) to drop his re-election bid now that he’s admitted an extramarital affair with a staffer who fatally set herself on fire last year.

“Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election,” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) said in a joint statement.

“We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues,” the quartet said.

Republican leaders in the House of Representatives publicly asked Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) to drop his re-election bid now that he’s admitted an extramarital affair with a staffer who fatally set herself on fire last year. REUTERS

Regina Santos-Aviles fatally set herself on fire last year. Regina Santos Aviles / Facebook

Gonzales admitted for the first time on Wednesday that he did have the affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, called it a “mistake” and said he is reconciling with his wife.

He is facing Brandon Herrera in a May 26 runoff election.