The House Ethics Committee on Wednesday announced it has opened an investigation into Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) over allegations that he engaged in an improper relationship with a former staff member who later died by suicide.
In a statement, the panel said it voted to establish an investigative subcommittee to determine whether Gonzales “violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties or the discharge of his responsibilities, with respect to allegations that he may have: (1) engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his congressional office; and/or (2) discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges.”
The announcement came one day after Gonzales advanced to a runoff election in the Texas Republican primary. On Tuesday, he was pushed into a runoff against Brandon Herrera, a right-wing challenger and YouTuber known for producing firearms-related content.
The timing of the ethics panel’s announcement is tied to committee rules that limit certain actions within 60 days of an election involving a member of Congress. The runoff election is scheduled for May 26.
House rules prohibit members from having sexual relationships with staff members.
Several Republican colleagues of Gonzales have called on him to resign or withdraw from his reelection bid following allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, a staff member in his district office. Santos-Aviles died in September after setting herself on fire.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, a screenshot of a text message sent by Santos-Aviles in April 2025 shows her telling a colleague that she “had [an] affair with our boss,” referring to Gonzales. (RELATED: Alleged Affair Involving Rep. Tony Gonzales Surfaces After Aide’s Death)
A former staffer told the newspaper that rumors of a relationship circulated in the office during the 2024 election cycle. Bobby Barrera, the attorney for Santos-Aviles’ husband, said the relationship “was not a secret among the staff.”
“It’s common knowledge,” Barrera told the newspaper, adding that staff members were clearly aware this was occurring.
Gonzales has denied the allegations, calling them “completely untruthful.” He has also asked the public and the media to respect the privacy of Santos-Aviles’ family.
Despite calls from some GOP colleagues, Gonzales has refused to resign.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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