Several prominent Republican congresswomen aligned with the MAGA wing of the party are calling on a fellow GOP lawmaker to resign following the release of explicit text messages between him and a former aide who later died by suicide.
Reps. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Nancy Mace of South Carolina publicly condemned Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales after messages surfaced showing he repeatedly asked his former regional district director, Regina Santos-Aviles, for sexually explicit photos and engaged in graphic exchanges.
The texts, first reported by the San Antonio Express-News, indicate that Gonzales continued to press Santos-Aviles for intimate images and sexual details even after she warned him he was going “too far.”
Santos-Aviles, 35, died in September after setting herself on fire outside her home. She left behind an eight-year-old son.
Her husband, Adrian Aviles, has since shared portions of the text messages with media outlets, disputing Gonzales’ claim that the situation amounted to blackmail aimed at damaging his political career.
In one exchange from May 2024, Gonzales allegedly asked Santos-Aviles to send him a “sexy pic” shortly after midnight. When she responded that she was having a difficult week and questioned whether he really wanted such a photo, he reportedly replied, “Yes I do,” and urged her to hurry.
Additional messages show Gonzales continuing to steer the conversation toward sexual topics, including asking about her preferences, even after she expressed discomfort.
Luna sharply criticized the conduct, writing on social media that members of Congress should be condemning any lawmaker who solicits explicit images from staff. She called the situation “disgusting” and said it brought dishonor to the House.
Boebert’s response was more succinct, posting a one-word demand for Gonzales to step down. Mace described the allegations as an abuse of power, arguing that congressional staffers should never have to endure inappropriate behavior from those they work for and urging Gonzales to resign.
Gonzales, who is married with six children and has received former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, has not stepped down.
House Speaker Mike Johnson struck a more cautious tone, telling reporters that the matter should be allowed to proceed through appropriate channels and that all facts should be reviewed before conclusions are drawn.
The controversy has also reignited broader tensions within the GOP conference, particularly among Republican women who have grown increasingly vocal about leadership and accountability issues.
In recent months, some have openly challenged party leadership on matters ranging from ethics concerns to internal investigations. Past reporting has detailed frustrations among several GOP congresswomen who say they feel sidelined or dismissed by male colleagues.
Santos-Aviles began working for Gonzales in 2021 and did not hold a college degree. A former aide has alleged that concerns about her declining mental health were not adequately addressed.
As the scandal unfolds, the divide within Republican ranks has become more visible, with some members demanding immediate consequences while others call for patience.
The episode underscores both the personal tragedy at its center and the political fallout now reverberating on Capitol Hill.
