Rep. Tony Gonzales Faces New Allegations Over Messages to Former Campaign Staffer

Tony Gonzales, is facing new allegations involving inappropriate messages sent to a former campaign staffer during his first run for Congress in 2020.

According to a report by the San Antonio Express-News, the messages allegedly included explicit and suggestive language. The staffer, who was not identified, said the relationship never became physical. The claims have not been independently verified.

CNN reports it has reached out to Gonzales’ office for comment, but no response has been provided. The allegations add to ongoing scrutiny surrounding the congressman following a previously reported affair with another staffer in 2024.

That earlier situation prompted an ethics investigation and calls from Republican leadership, including Mike Johnson, for Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection campaign. Gonzales later acknowledged the relationship, calling it “a lapse in judgment,” and ultimately stepped away from his bid, though he has not resigned from office.

The former staffer involved in the 2024 case, Regina Santos-Aviles, later died by suicide. Gonzales has denied any connection to her death.

House leadership has urged the Ethics Committee to move quickly in its investigation as questions continue surrounding the congressman’s conduct. Despite the controversy, Gonzales remains in office as Republicans maintain a narrow majority in the House.

The latest allegations could intensify pressure on Gonzales as the ethics probe continues and lawmakers weigh potential next steps.

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