Overview
- The House Ethics Committee voted to form an investigative subcommittee to examine whether Rep. Tony Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee and whether he dispensed special favors or privileges, noting the move does not imply a violation.
- Gonzales and conservative activist Brandon Herrera advance to a May 26 Republican runoff in Texas' 23rd District after neither secured a majority in Tuesday’s primary.
- Recent media reports, citing messages provided by the late aide’s husband, describe sexually explicit texts allegedly sent by Gonzales to former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, whose September 2025 death was ruled a suicide by a medical examiner.
- Several House Republicans have urged Gonzales to resign or exit the race, while Speaker Mike Johnson has called the accusations serious and emphasized due process without demanding his resignation.
- Gonzales denies having an affair, says he will not step down, has accused the widower of blackmail that the widower’s attorney denies, and says he welcomes the opportunity to present facts to the committee.