Trending Now - Congressman Under Ethics Investigation Following Aide's Death and Affair Claims
WHO:
Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas
House Ethics Committee
House Speaker Mike Johnson
Conservative activist Brandon Herrera
Regina Santos-Aviles, late aide to Gonzales
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.
Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.
Attorney Robert Barrera
WHAT:
The House Ethics Committee is forming an investigative panel to probe allegations against Rep. Tony Gonzales regarding sexual misconduct and inappropriate favoritism.
Allegations include that Gonzales may have engaged in sexual misconduct towards Santos-Aviles and dispensed special favors or privileges.
Gonzales is facing a runoff election against Brandon Herrera on May 26, 2026.
Gonzales has denied having an affair with Santos-Aviles and accused her husband of extortion.
Gonzales stated, "What you’ve seen is not all the facts," and he welcomes the opportunity to present all facts to the committee.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and Rep. Nancy Mace have called for Gonzales' resignation.
Gonzales previously defeated Herrera by less than 2% in the 2024 Republican primary.
WHERE:
Uvalde, Texas (location of Santos-Aviles)
U.S. Capitol
WHEN:
The investigation was announced on March 4, 2026.
The last day to withdraw from the runoff is March 18, 2026.
Regina Santos-Aviles died on September 13, 2025.
Gonzales arrived for a press conference on March 25, 2025.
Gonzales posted on X on February 19, 2026.
WHY:
The investigation is in response to allegations of sexual misconduct and favoritism, compounded by the tragic death of Santos-Aviles.
HOW:
The House Ethics Committee is conducting an internal investigation into the allegations against Gonzales.
Gonzales has publicly stated he will not resign and has accused others of political attacks and blackmail.
Today, the House Ethics Committee announced it is forming an investigative panel to look into allegations of sexual misconduct and favoritism against Rep. Tony Gonzales, particularly concerning his late aide, Regina Santos-Aviles. Gonzales, who is facing a runoff election against conservative activist Brandon Herrera on May 26, has denied the allegations and accused Santos-Aviles' husband of extortion, while also stating he welcomes the opportunity to present all facts to the committee. Calls for his resignation have come from fellow Republicans, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and Rep. Nancy Mace, as the investigation unfolds in the wake of Santos-Aviles' tragic death last September.