A second former staffer for U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (R) has come forward alleging the congressman sent her repeated sexually explicit messages during his 2020 campaign.
The allegations, first reported by the San Antonio Express-News and later confirmed by NBC News, involve a woman who served as Gonzales's political director during his initial run for Congress. According to reports, Gonzales sent hundreds of messages over a period of weeks, including repeated requests for explicit photos despite her declining multiple times.
"I call it sexual bullying," the former staffer told NBC News, describing the exchanges as persistent and unwanted.
The woman, a military veteran and former defense contractor, said the relationship never became physical, though Gonzales allegedly visited her home on two occasions. She later left his team after he took office, citing political differences.
The new allegations come months after Gonzales publicly admitted to having an affair with another staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in 2025. That disclosure prompted an investigation by the House Ethics Committee and led Gonzales to withdraw from his re-election campaign, though he has said he will serve out the remainder of his term through January 2027.
The second staffer told reporters she decided to come forward after learning of Santos-Aviles' death, saying it prompted her to share her own experience.
The controversy has reshaped the race for Gonzales's South Texas congressional seat. Following his withdrawal, gun rights advocate Brandon Herrera emerged as the Republican nominee.
The new allegations add mounting scrutiny surrounding Gonzales's conduct, as the House Ethics Committee continues its investigation into the claims of an improper relationship with staffer Santos-Aviles.
