House Ethics Committee opens probe into Rep. Tony Gonzales

March 4 (UPI) — The House Ethics Committee on Wednesday said it opened an investigation into Rep. Tony Gonzalez, R-Texas, over an alleged affair with a woman on his staff who later died by lighting herself on fire.

The committee voted to establish a subcommittee to determine if Gonzales “violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties or the discharge of his responsibilities, with respect to allegations that he may have: (1) engaged in sexual misconduct toward an individual employed in his congressional office; and/or (2) discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges.”

Gonzales on Tuesday faced challenger YouTuber Brandon Herrera in a Republican primary for his seat, and he closely trails Herrera. Now, he must launch a 12-week campaign for a runoff vote May 23.

He denies any wrongdoing and has resisted calls from other Republicans to resign.

The former staffer with whom he allegedly had an affair in 2024 was Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, who died by suicide after setting herself on fire in 2024. Santos-Aviles and Gonzales were married to other people at the time.

“I welcome the opportunity to present all the facts to the committee,” Gonzales said in a statement.

Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he wanted to see how the election played out and that Gonzales was entitled to due process, Politico reported. The Ethics Committee’s investigation could take months.

Gonzales allegedly pursued the relationship with Santos-Aviles and tried to coerce her to send him explicit photos, according to text messages published by the San Antonio Express-News.

The House’s code of conduct prohibits members from having sexual relationships with staff members.

Last month, the San Antonio newspaper reported that in April 2025, Santos-Aviles wrote to another Congressional staffer “I had an affair with our boss and I’m fine.”

Her widower Adrian Aviles has accused Gonzales of abusing his power, and his attorney is asking Gonzales for a settlement, The Hill reported.

Gonzales responded by alleging that a police report from Santos-Aviles’ death was reported by the New York Post to have said she found out her husband was cheating on her with “her best friend” just before her death.