Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales advances to runoff after reported sexual messages with staffer released

March 4, 2026

Texas Representative Tony Gonzales has progressed to a Republican primary runoff election scheduled for May 26, where he will compete against YouTube personality and firearms manufacturer Brandon Herrera for his House seat. Gonzales is facing intense scrutiny following allegations that he sent inappropriate sexual messages to his former Uvalde district director, Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. The alleged text exchanges from 2024, shared by Santos-Aviles' husband with media outlets, reportedly show Gonzales making unwanted sexual advances despite the aide's resistance.

Who is affected

Rep. Tony Gonzales (incumbent facing allegations and runoff election)
Regina Santos-Aviles (deceased former aide at center of allegations)
Adrian Aviles (husband of Regina Santos-Aviles who shared the alleged messages)
Brandon Herrera (primary challenger in the runoff)
GOP House members calling for resignation: Reps. Nancy Mace, Anna Paulina Luna, Lauren Boebert, Thomas Massie, and Tim Burchett
Voters in Texas' 23rd District
Gonzales' family (identified as married father of six)
Santos-Aviles' former coworkers

What action is being taken

Gonzales is advancing to a May 26 runoff election
Rep. Nancy Mace is planning to force a vote this week on a measure requiring release of records on sexual harassment involving lawmakers
Multiple House Republicans are actively calling for Gonzales to resign

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace sexual harassment and power dynamics in congressional offices, particularly involving vulnerable staff members. The strong response from GOP women representatives signals a potential shift within the Republican Party toward holding their own members accountable for alleged sexual misconduct. The situation also raises important questions about workplace protections for congressional aides and the consequences faced by victims who report inappropriate behavior, especially given allegations that Santos-Aviles was ostracized after the affair was reported to coworkers.

What's next

May 26 runoff election between Gonzales and Herrera
Rep. Nancy Mace plans to force a vote this week on her measure regarding sexual harassment records

Read full article from source: The 19th