Rep. Tony Gonzales admits to affair with former staffer, calling it a "lapse in judgement"
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Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that he had a relationship with a former staffer who later died by suicide, but alleged the controversy that has engulfed the situation is "about power and money." In:
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that he had a relationship with a former staffer who later died by suicide, but alleged the controversy that has engulfed the situation is "about power and money."
"I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions," he told conservative radio host Joe Pags when asked if the alleged affair took place. "Since then, I've reconciled with my wife, Angel. I've asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever."
CBS News has obtained a text exchange from May 2024 in which Gonzales sent explicit messages to former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, asking her to send a "sexy pic." At one point, Gonzales responds: "This is going too far boss." CBS News has also obtained a message in which Santos-Aviles told a colleague: "I had affair with our boss and I'm fine."
Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire. Her death was ruled a suicide.
Gonzales said in Wednesday's interview: "I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing. And in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else."
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and the state's Attorney General Keith Ellison faced questions from the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, in a hearing that focused on the state's massive fraud scandal and the Trump administration's recent immigration surge.
As concerns over the global oil supply intensify, President Trump has pledged that a little-known U.S. government agency will step in to insure ships sailing through the Persian Gulf, a move he said will maintain the "free flow of energy" as the Iran war continues. Edited by Aimee Picchi In:
Since the war in Iran started Saturday, six American service members have been killed, according to U.S. military officials. In:
The House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday that it is launching an investigation into allegations that GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas had an affair with an aide who later died by suicide. In:
Pam Bondi rescinds policy banning politically appointed DOJ employees from attending partisan events
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The House Oversight Committee released a report Wednesday morning alleging Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison covered up massive fraud in the state. In:
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine are briefing reporters at the Pentagon as the U.S. campaign against Iran enters its fifth day. It's their second briefing since the offensive began Saturday.
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Texas Rep. James Talarico will win the U.S. Senate Democratic primary in Texas, CBS News projects, defeating Rep. Jasmine Crockett and securing enough votes to avoid a runoff in what could be one of the most closely watched races in this year's midterms. In:
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