House Ethics Committee investigating Rep. Tony Gonzales for alleged sexual misconduct
Gonzales denies affair with former aide who died by suicide in September 2025
Several Republicans have called on Gonzales to resign
Gonzales faces a runoff election in May amid the ongoing investigation
📖 Full Retelling
The House Ethics Committee announced on Wednesday an investigation into Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales regarding allegations of sexual misconduct with a staffer who died by suicide last year. The probe will examine whether Gonzales engaged in inappropriate behavior with an employee in his congressional office and whether he discriminated by granting special favors. Gonzales has vehemently denied claims of an affair with his former aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who tragically died in September 2025. Several Republican colleagues have called on Gonzales to resign, though he has affirmed his intention to remain in office while facing the investigation. The ethics probe comes at a politically sensitive time for Gonzales, as he is currently running for reelection and headed to a runoff election in May against Brandon Herrera, a challenger from the right wing of the party.
Misconduct of a sexual nature; legal term in some jurisdictions
Sexual misconduct is misconduct of a sexual nature that exists on a spectrum that may include a broad range of sexual behaviors considered unwelcome. This includes conduct considered inappropriate on an individual or societal basis of morality, sexual harassment and/or criminal sexual assault.
Howev...
A United States congressional hearing is the principal formal method by which United States congressional committees collect and analyze information in the early stages of legislative policymaking. Whether confirmation hearings (a procedure unique to the United States Senate), legislative, oversight...
# Tony Gonzales
**Ernest Anthony Gonzales II** (born October 10, 1980) is an American politician and United States Navy veteran serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he assumed office in 2021. His district is notable for encomp...
Standing committee of the United States House of Representatives
The U.S. House Committee on Ethics, often known simply as the Ethics Committee, is one of the committees of the United States House of Representatives. Before the 112th Congress, it was known as the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
The House Ethics Committee has often received criticism.
