House Republican leaders on Thursday called on Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas to withdraw from his reelection campaign after the congressman admitted to having an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide.

Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Whip Tom Emmer, and GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain issued a joint statement saying they had "encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues." The leadership team added that they had "asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for reelection."

The leadership decision came one day after Gonzales acknowledged the relationship during an appearance on the "Joe Pags Show" radio program Wednesday. When asked about his relationship with former aide Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, Gonzales said, "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."

Santos-Aviles, 35, died after setting herself on fire in the backyard of her home in Uvalde, Texas. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a suicide. The House Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Gonzales' conduct.

Johnson has faced pressure from GOP lawmakers to take action against Gonzales, with several Republicans already calling for him to step aside. The controversy comes as Republicans work to maintain their slim House majority in upcoming elections.

Gonzales, now serving his third term, has indicated he will not resign from office and recently told reporters there will be opportunities for details and facts to emerge.