BREAKING: Texas GOP Congressman Tony Gonzalez ENDS bid for re-election, paving way for Brandon Herrera

US Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) announced he will not seek re-election after admitting he had an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide, ending months of denials about the relationship.

“At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” Gonzales said. “During my 20 years in the military and three terms in Congress, I have fought for that cause with absolute dedication to the country that I love.”

"From overcoming the border crisis to taking a stand with my communities after the worst school shooting in Texas’ history, my philosophy has never changed: do as much as you can, and always fight for the greater good," he added. Gonzalez said the decision came after “deep reflection” and with the support of his family, pledging to serve out the remainder of his current term. “Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful,” Gonzales said.

Earlier in the day, Gonzales admitted to the relationship during an interview with radio host Joe Pags, calling it a “mistake” and “lapse in judgment.”

“I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions,” Gonzales said. “Since then, I’ve reconciled with my wife, Angel. I’ve asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever.”

The Texas congressman also addressed the aide’s death, denying any involvement. “I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing. And in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else,” he told Pags.

The aide at the center of the allegations was identified as Regina Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old regional district director in Gonzales’ office who had worked for the congressman since 2021. Santos-Aviles died in September after setting herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde, Texas. Authorities said she poured gasoline on herself before igniting the flames and was later airlifted to a San Antonio hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Officials said preliminary findings indicated she was alone when the fire began, and investigators said they had no evidence that anyone else was involved in the incident.

The announcement comes amid an already competitive race for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. Gonzales faced a primary challenge from Second Amendment advocate Brandon Herrera, with neither candidate receiving more than 50 percent of the vote. A runoff had been scheduled for May 23, and the winner was expected to face Democrat Katy Padilla Stout in November.

This is a developing story and will be updated.