Another Staffer Alleges Rep. Tony Gonzales Sent Inappropriate Texts

A second former aide of Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, has come forward, alleging that he sent her sexually explicit text messages while she was employed in his office.

The San Antonio Express-News initially reported that Gonzales, who is married and a father of six, repeatedly solicited the woman for sexual encounters and nude photographs.

In an interview with NBC News on Monday, the woman, who served as Gonzales’ political director during his 2020 campaign, confirmed the accuracy of the details and messages reported by the Express-News.

She stated her motivation for speaking out now stems from a desire for accountability regarding Gonzales’ past behavior. NBC News typically refrains from naming victims of alleged sexual misconduct unless they choose to identify themselves publicly.

This latest allegation surfaces just a month after Gonzales withdrew from his primary runoff amid an investigation by the House Ethics Committee into his relationship with another woman, Regina Santos-Aviles, a congressional aide who tragically died by suicide last year. Reports indicate that Gonzales exchanged explicit messages with Santos-Aviles in May 2024, as confirmed by her widower.

In a podcast appearance last month, Gonzales acknowledged having “made a mistake” and referred to a “lapse in judgment,” seemingly addressing the Santos-Aviles situation.

The Ethics Committee has not commented on the new allegations against Gonzales, which are part of an ongoing investigation into whether he breached the House code of conduct prohibiting sexual relationships with congressional subordinates.

Although he has opted not to seek re-election, Gonzales plans to complete his term, which concludes in January 2027. His position is crucial as Republicans maintain a slim majority over Democrats in the House.

When contacted for comment on Monday, a spokesperson for Gonzales abruptly ended the call and did not respond to subsequent messages.

“I call it sexual bullying,” the former political director remarked during her phone interview with NBC News.

“The objective is not to beat a dead horse,” she explained regarding her decision to come forward. “The man’s done, but at the end of the day... this behavior has got to stop. What can I do? This is what I’m asking myself. What is my part in this?”

Having previously served in the Army and worked as a defense contractor, she recounted that Gonzales visited her home a few times to discuss campaign matters but never attempted any physical advances.

However, she described how he persistently expressed a desire for sexual relations and requested nude photos through text messages. She consistently rejected his advances. “47 nos is about my limit,” he reportedly replied at one point, as confirmed by a text published by the San Antonio Express-News.

The former aide indicated that there were additional messages beyond those made public, stating, “Some of it was just — it’s just too salacious,” while opting not to disclose the unpublished content.

She mentioned that she had not communicated with Gonzales since early 2021.

“I think if I would have ever given him a hint through text that I would do something with him, then I think he would have, but, I mean, you saw it, 47 nos,” she reflected during the interview.

“It’s kind of like dealing with a toddler. I just kept trying to redirect him,” she concluded.