Two influential House Republican women have sharply criticized Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) over allegations of an affair with a staffer who tragically died by suicide. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) has called for Gonzales' immediate resignation, marking the first such demand from a GOP lawmaker, while Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) expressed disgust over the allegations and called for widespread condemnation.

House Speaker Mike Johnson described the allegations as "very serious" but stopped short of demanding immediate action, citing ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, Rep. Brandon Gill, another Texas Republican, joined Boebert in demanding Gonzales' resignation.

The controversy revolves around Gonzales' alleged relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, a former staffer whose death in September added a grim note to the scandal. Gonzales has denied the allegations, emphasizing his innocence in previous statements.

As the story unfolds, Boebert highlighted newly released text messages that allegedly show Gonzales engaging in inappropriate communications with Santos-Aviles. These messages, which have not been independently verified by POLITICO, reportedly show Gonzales requesting explicit photos and engaging in sexually suggestive conversations. Boebert condemned these actions as an abuse of power unfit for Congress.

Luna echoed Boebert's sentiments on social media, stressing the dishonor such actions bring to the House of Representatives. She criticized the reluctance of some members to openly condemn Gonzales' alleged behavior.

Speaker Johnson, managing a slim GOP majority, has maintained his endorsement of Gonzales with the primary election looming, a stance he justified by noting the need for due process. This approach aligns with his handling of other recent misconduct cases within the party.

The article of misconduct extends beyond Gonzales, touching on broader issues of how sexual misconduct is handled within the GOP. Both Luna and Boebert have previously criticized party leadership for their handling of other misconduct allegations, reflecting a growing frustration among GOP women over perceived double standards.

As more House Republican women review the alleged texts between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles, internal pressure on Johnson to take decisive action may intensify. The Office of Congressional Conduct and Texas state authorities are currently investigating the matter, adding layers of scrutiny as the primary election approaches.

In the midst of this turmoil, Gonzales faces additional challenges from within his own party. The Freedom Caucus has endorsed his primary challenger, Brandon Herrera, signaling a tough battle ahead for Gonzales, who narrowly defeated Herrera in the previous election cycle.

The unfolding scandal and its implications continue to resonate deeply within the GOP, as leaders grapple with the political and ethical dimensions of Gonzales' alleged actions. With the primary just days away, the situation remains fluid, with potential long-term consequences for all involved.