Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican congressman, is facing new allegations of sending lewd text messages to a campaign staffer in 2020, adding to previous controversies involving an affair with another employee who died by suicide.
New Allegations from 2020 Campaign
- The San Antonio Express-News published previously unreported texts allegedly sent by Gonzales in June 2020 to his campaign's political director.
- The texts included questions about underwear, requests for nude photos, and descriptions of sexual intentions.
- The staffer, whose identity is not disclosed, stated the relationship never became physical.
- CNN has not independently verified the messages, and Gonzales' office did not respond to inquiries.
Previous Affair and Suicide
- In 2024, Gonzales admitted to an affair with district staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, calling it "a lapse in judgment."
- Santos-Aviles died by self-immolation, ruled a suicide by the county medical examiner.
- Gonzales denied any connection to her death, but the incident sparked ethics investigations and calls for his resignation.
Political Fallout and Investigations
- The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Gonzales' conduct.
- GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, urged Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection campaign, which he did in late 2024.
- However, Gonzales has refused to resign from his House seat, maintaining his position despite the narrow Republican majority.
Current Status and Responses
- CNN has reached out to Gonzales' office and Speaker Johnson's office for comment on the latest allegations.
- Johnson previously stated that leadership asked Gonzales to withdraw from the race but did not call for his resignation.
- Johnson denied that keeping Gonzales in Congress is solely due to vote math, given the House's slim margin.