By — Kevin Freking, Associated Press Kevin Freking, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/republican-rep-tony-gonzales-of-texas-says-he-will-retire-after-admitting-to-affair-with-staffer Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas says he will retire after admitting to affair with staffer Politics Apr 13, 2026 7:30 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas said Monday he will retire from Congress amid bipartisan calls to expel him. Gonzales had already said he would not seek reelection after admitting to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. His announcement came just hours after Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California said he would be resigning from Congress as he also confronted allegations of sexual misconduct. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. House Republican leaders had already called on the three-term Gonzales to not seek reelection. And the House Ethics Committee had initiated an investigation. Under House ethics rules, lawmakers may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House under their supervision. "There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all," Gonzales said in a social media post. "When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office." He said it has been a privilege "to serve the great people of Texas." He gave no further details on his plans to step down. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Kevin Freking, Associated Press Kevin Freking, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas said Monday he will retire from Congress amid bipartisan calls to expel him. Gonzales had already said he would not seek reelection after admitting to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. His announcement came just hours after Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California said he would be resigning from Congress as he also confronted allegations of sexual misconduct. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. House Republican leaders had already called on the three-term Gonzales to not seek reelection. And the House Ethics Committee had initiated an investigation. Under House ethics rules, lawmakers may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House under their supervision. "There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all," Gonzales said in a social media post. "When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office." He said it has been a privilege "to serve the great people of Texas." He gave no further details on his plans to step down. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now