The U.S. House Ethics Committee announced that it will open an investigation into Representative Tony Gonzales (R), following allegations that he had a relationship with a staff member who later died by suicide.
The investigation centers on Gonzales' alleged relationship with former aide Regina Santos-Aviles.
Surfaced messages showcase sexual texts exchanged between Rep. Gonzales and Santos-Aviles in 2024 despite house rules prohibiting members of Congress from engaging in relationships with staff employed in their offices.
After previously denying the affair, Gonzales appeared to acknowledge the relationship during an interview on the Joe Pags Show podcast.
"I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment," Gonzales said. "There was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions."
He added that since the affair, he has reconciled with his wife.
In a statement announcing the inquiry, the House Ethics Committee said it had voted to establish an investigative panel to examine the allegations.
"The investigative Subcommittee shall have jurisdiction to determine whether Representative Tony Gonzales violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties," said the committee.
The committee added that the subcommittee will examine whether Gonzales "engaged in sexual misconduct toward an individual employed in is congressional office or "discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges."
Following the announcement of the probe, Gonzales said that he intends to fully cooperate with investigators.
"I welcome the opportunity to present all the facts to the committee," said Gonzales.
The committee has emphasized that opening an investigation does not mean that a violation has occurred.
Additional details, including which lawmakers will serve on the investigative panel, are expected to be announced at a later time.
