TEXAS — Rep. Tony Gonzales resigned from Congress on Tuesday while facing a congressional ethics investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The Texas Republican had initially denied any wrongdoing but confirmed last month that he had had a relationship with staff member Regina Santos-Aviles.

After Gonzales admitted to the affair last month, Congress took a two-week break. When lawmakers returned, they opened an ethics investigation and began discussing expelling both Gonzales and Rep. Eric Swalwell from Congress. To avoid being expelled, Gonzales and Swalwell submitted their resignations effective on Tuesday.

Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire near her home in Uvalde, Texas. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide.

"It has been my privilege to serve the residents of Texas's 23rd congressional district," Gonzales said in his brief resignation letter. Gonzales had said last month that he would not run for re-election in November.

By resigning rather than facing expulsion, both he and Swalwell retain their pension benefits after their departure. Their resignations do not change the balance of power in Congress, where Republicans hold a controlling majority.