Congressional investigators have determined there is "a substantial reason to believe" that Rep. Tony Gonzales may have violated House rules by engaging in a sexual relationship with a subordinate, according to a report reviewed by POLITICO. The findings have been forwarded to the House Ethics Committee by the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), which conducted the preliminary investigation.

The Ethics Committee, responsible for member disciplinary actions, has been urged by the OCC to delve deeper into the allegations against the Texas Republican, who is amidst a challenging reelection campaign. Gonzales is currently trailing his primary opponent, Brandon Herrera, as they head toward a runoff on May 23.

Despite the allegations, Gonzales has publicly denied any wrongdoing. His former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who is central to the investigation, tragically died by suicide in 2025 after a distressing personal ordeal that involved setting herself on fire.

The OCC report cites text exchanges and interviews with colleagues of Santos-Aviles that suggest a romantic and sexual relationship with Gonzales. One notable message from Santos-Aviles to a coworker stated, “I had an affair with our boss and I’m fine. You will be fine.” Her estranged husband also alerted Gonzales' staff about the affair, providing further intrigue into the case.

The investigation also highlights that Gonzales, who is married with children, allegedly pressured Santos-Aviles for explicit photos, according to messages that have surfaced in various media outlets including the San Antonio Express-News. However, these messages have not been independently verified by POLITICO.

House rules explicitly prohibit members from engaging in sexual relationships with their staff, aimed at preventing abuses of power and ensuring a professional work environment. The Ethics Committee, known for its discreet and sometimes prolonged investigations, has yet to determine the full scope of any potential disciplinary actions against Gonzales.

This case adds to a series of ethical concerns involving other members of Congress, reflecting ongoing challenges within the political sphere in maintaining standards of conduct. The outcome of this investigation, especially amidst an electoral challenge, could have significant implications for Gonzales' career and the broader ethical landscape in Congress.

As the House Ethics Committee proceeds with its investigation, Speaker Mike Johnson has emphasized the importance of due process and has refrained from drawing premature conclusions about the case. The political and personal complexities of this situation continue to unfold, leaving many awaiting further developments.