House Ethics launches inquiry into Tony Gonzales over alleged affair
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Rep. Tony Gonzales speaks during a news conference on Feb. 1, 2023. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
The House Ethics Committee formally launched an investigation into Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) on Wednesday over an alleged affair with his former staffer who died by suicide.
Why it matters: The investigation comes as Gonzales heads into a high-stakes primary runoff and faces growing calls from his colleagues to step aside. Gonzales has denied having the affair.
- The panel voted to establish an investigative subcommittee to look into whether Gonzales "engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his congressional office; and/or discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges."
- Relationships between members of Congress and their staff are prohibited under the House Code of Official Conduct.
- Gonzales' office did not immediately respond for comment on the investigation.
Catch up quick: Gonzales has been under intensifying scrutiny since the San Antonio Express-News reported that he had an affair with his former regional director, Regina Santos-Aviles.
- Santos-Aviles died last year after setting herself on fire outside her Uvalde home.
- Axios obtained copies of text messages between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles, from her husband, Adrian Aviles, who shared them in a message with his attorney copied on it.
- In one message from May 2024, Gonzales asked Santos-Aviles for a "sexy pic." Santos-Aviles later replied, "this is too far tony."
The big picture: Ahead of the runoff, the Office of Congressional Conduct, which has been investigating Gonzales for months, has a window to transmit its report to the House Ethics Committee.
- Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) told Axios last week that the panel — which has a blackout period ahead of an election — typically conducts its own independent investigation while using OCC's findings.
- The process could take months, meaning a final report may not come until well after the runoff.
Yes, but: If Gonzales were to leave office, House rules would keep the report confidential.
- "At that point we lose jurisdiction, so we wouldn't be able to finish an investigation," Guest said, though he left open the possibility of releasing a "partial report."
What's next: Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) plans to force a vote Thursday on her resolution to compel the Ethics Committee to release all reports on congressional sexual harassment investigations.
- "Tony Gonzales showed us what is happening in Congress. But he is not the only one. The American people deserve answers. Staff deserve answers. Women deserve answers. No more protection for predators in Congress," Mace said in a statement.
- Guest told Axios he opposes the effort, and GOP leadership has not yet weighed in.
