Texas Representative Tony Gonzales has announced his immediate retirement from Congress following intense pressure and bipartisan calls for his expulsion over a scandal involving a subordinate.The three-term Republican admitted to having an affair with his regional director, Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide last year after setting herself on fire.While Gonzales has denied any involvement in the death of Santos-Aviles, the scandal intensified as details emerged regarding sexually explicit text messages sent to at least two former staffers during 2024.These revelations prompted a formal investigation by the House Ethics Committee and led Republican leaders to urge him against seeking reelection.The departure of Gonzales coincides with the resignation of Democratic Representative
Eric Swalwell, who left office following separate sexual assault allegations.