Overview
- Regina Santos-Aviles’s widower released forensic-extracted texts that outlets published showing explicit messages attributed to Rep. Tony Gonzales, including requests for photos and sexual content.
- Lauren Boebert publicly urged Gonzales to resign, and Speaker Mike Johnson said the allegations are very serious and told him to address them with constituents.
- Gonzales denied having an affair and accused the widower of blackmail, while the widower’s attorney rejected the claim.
- A Political Intelligence poll of 543 likely GOP primary voters conducted Feb. 18–20 shows Gonzales trailing Brandon Herrera 45% to 21% with 54% viewing Gonzales unfavorably; the survey was commissioned by Herrera’s campaign.
- The Office of Congressional Conduct has concluded a review but cannot transmit its report to House Ethics until after the primary because of the 60‑day pre‑election rule, according to prior NBC reporting.