US Congressman Tony Gonzales has admitted to having an extra-marital affair with an aide, having previously denied that the relationship happened.
The Texas Republican, who is married with six children, said the relationship with married staff member Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide last year, was a "mistake" and a "lapse in judgement".
"I take full responsibility for my actions," Gonzales, 45, told a podcast.
His admission came hours after a House of Representatives panel launched an ethics investigation into the relationship, and ahead of a primary run-off election. Gonzales had previously dismissed the allegations as "blackmail" and a "coordinated" attack to unseat him.
The primary race to decide whether Gonzales can remain as the congressional district's Republican candidate is headed to a May run-off after neither Gonzales nor rival Brandon Herrera crossed the 50% vote threshold earlier this week.
