Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, announced Monday that he will retire from Congress following an ethics investigation into a past relationship with a former staffer.
“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,” Gonzales said in a statement on social media. “When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”
Gonzales did not specify the exact timing of his departure but had already announced last month that he would not seek re-election.
His decision comes amid mounting pressure from lawmakers across party lines. Calls for his resignation intensified alongside those directed at Rep. Eric Swalwell, who also announced plans to step down following separate misconduct allegations.
Efforts were underway in the House to introduce measures to expel both lawmakers. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez said she would move forward with a resolution targeting Gonzales if he did not clarify his resignation timeline, urging that it take effect immediately.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna welcomed the developments, calling the resignations a step toward accountability. Similarly, Rep. Nancy Mace noted that additional lawmakers facing investigations could still face consequences.
Gonzales is among several members of Congress under scrutiny. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces multiple ethics charges and a federal indictment, while Rep. Cory Mills is under investigation over alleged campaign finance violations and misconduct. Both have denied wrongdoing.
The ethics probe into Gonzales stems from reports that he exchanged explicit messages with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. Gonzales acknowledged a relationship with a staff member prior to ending his re-election bid. A second former aide has also alleged inappropriate communications during her employment.
