House Ethics Committee Launches Investigation into Rep. Tony Gonzales Following Aide’s Suicide

Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives have launched an internal investigation into allegations that Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas engaged in sexual misconduct with a former aide who later died by suicide. The House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday that it would form an investigative subcommittee to examine claims that Gonzales had an affair with and sexually harassed Regina Santos-Aviles, his Uvalde-based aide, and “discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges.”

The timing of the investigation is politically significant, coming just as Gonzales narrowly avoided defeat in his GOP primary on Tuesday. After failing to secure an outright majority, he now faces a May runoff election against conservative social media personality Brandon Herrera. The two were separated by less than 2% in the primary results.

Gonzales has consistently denied having an inappropriate relationship with Santos-Aviles, who died in September 2025. He has characterized the allegations as politically motivated attacks timed to coincide with his reelection campaign. “During my six years in Congress, not a single formal complaint has been levied against my office. Now days away from an election, coordinated political attacks reign in,” Gonzales wrote on social media in February.

In response to the newly announced investigation, Gonzales told Fox News Digital, “I welcome the opportunity to present all the facts to the committee.”

The serious nature of the allegations has prompted calls for Gonzales’s resignation from within his own party. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, told reporters last week, “I would encourage him to consider resigning.” Fellow Texas Republican Brandon Gill urged Gonzales to withdraw from the race, stating, “America deserves better. Tony should drop out of the race.”

South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace has been particularly vocal about the case, announcing plans to force a House vote on a measure requiring the Ethics Committee to disclose information on lawmakers accused of sexually harassing staff members. Mace directly referenced the Santos-Aviles case as motivation for her effort, saying, “I mean, literally, this girl killed herself in the most heinous way. She literally lit herself on fire and died, and we’re just going to sit here and say, let the process play out? No.”

Despite mounting pressure, Gonzales has previously stated he has no intention of resigning from his position.

The House Ethics Committee, known for its confidential proceedings, has not provided a timeline for its investigation or indicated when updates might be expected. The committee typically conducts its work with limited public disclosure until reaching a conclusion.

The scandal adds to a tumultuous period in congressional ethics. In recent years, the House has faced multiple high-profile cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment, leading to increased scrutiny of workplace culture in congressional offices and more robust reporting mechanisms for staff members.

The investigation into Gonzales comes amid heightened sensitivity to workplace misconduct allegations in Washington following the #MeToo movement and several congressional resignations and retirements linked to harassment claims in recent years.

For Gonzales, the investigation creates significant uncertainty as he approaches his May runoff election against Herrera, who has gained popularity in conservative circles through his social media presence. The scandal could potentially impact voter turnout and sentiment in Texas’s 23rd congressional district, which spans a large portion of the state’s border with Mexico and has historically been one of the most competitive districts in Texas.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255).