Gonzales Scandal Fuels GOP Division, Threatens Texas Re-election Bid Amid Ethics Probe.

Tony Gonzales of Texas is facing significant pressure from within the Republican party to resign or withdraw from his re-election bid due to allegations of an affair with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. Explicit text messages allegedly between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles have surfaced, prompting calls for his departure from several Republican colleagues, including Reps.

Brandon Gill, Anna Paulina Luna, Lauren Boebert, and Nancy Mace. The Office of Congressional Conduct is investigating the matter, with findings expected to be sent to the House Ethics Committee.

House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but emphasized the need for investigations to conclude. Gonzales, who is in his third term, faces a challenging primary election on March 3, and his political opponent, Brandon Herrera, has received an endorsement from the political arm of the House Freedom Caucus.