Representative Tony Gonzales Faces Resignation Demands from GOP Women Over Alleged Staffer Affair

Reps. Boebert, Luna, and Mace demand Rep. Tony Gonzales resign following leaked texts and an alleged affair with a staffer who died by suicide.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 24, 2026, 5:03 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Politico

Growing Pressure from Within the Republican Caucus

The political future of Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) reached a critical juncture on Monday as prominent female colleagues demanded he step down. Representatives Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna, and Nancy Mace became the first Republican lawmakers to formally call for his resignation. The move follows the public release of alleged text messages between Gonzales and a former staffer, Regina Santos Aviles, who tragically died by suicide five months ago.

The lawmakers described the contents of the messages as evidence of an abuse of power. Boebert characterized the communications as a "perverted boss" coercing a vulnerable subordinate into explicit dialogue, including requests for "sexy pics" and questions regarding sexual preferences. While the authenticity of the messages is being investigated, the public outcry from within the GOP indicates a deepening rift over how the party handles sexual misconduct within its ranks.

Speaker Johnson’s Response and the Ethics Process

Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the allegations for the first time on Monday, labeling them "very serious." However, despite the gravity of the accusations, Johnson did not pull his previous endorsement of Gonzales nor did he join the calls for resignation. This stance is consistent with Johnson’s previous handling of personal controversies involving members, as he emphasized the need to let the formal investigative systems play out.

The Speaker noted that the Office of Congressional Conduct and Texas state authorities are currently investigating the matter. Johnson’s refusal to take immediate punitive action highlights his struggle to manage a razor thin Republican majority, where every seat is vital to maintaining control of the House. He warned that if mere accusations became the sole litmus test for serving, Congress would face a wave of forced resignations and expulsions.