Rep. Tony Gonzales Under Ethics Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Affair Before Crucial Primary
As the clock ticks down to the Republican primary on March 3, Rep. Tony Gonzales finds himself embroiled in controversy. The Office of Congressional Conduct has completed an investigation into allegations of an affair involving Gonzales and a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who tragically died by suicide last September.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that while the investigation has concluded, the OCC is unable to share its findings with the House Ethics Committee due to a 60-day pre-election restriction. This timing has raised eyebrows, particularly as Gonzales campaigns in Texas's 23rd District.
Previously, Gonzales denied any romantic involvement with Santos-Aviles. However, his recent responses to inquiries have sidestepped the core allegation. His office has not clarified whether he maintains his earlier denial, nor has he commented on the OCC's investigation.
In a twist, Gonzales has characterized the allegations as politically motivated, especially as his main rival, Brandon Herrera, intensifies calls for his resignation, claiming that the alleged affair breaches ethical standards. Gonzales has gone so far as to accuse the husband of Santos-Aviles and his attorney of attempting to extort him.
“It’s shameful that Brandon Herrera is using a disgruntled former staffer to smear her memory and score political points,” Gonzales stated. “I will not engage in these personal smears and will focus on securing the border and improving Texans' lives.”
Herrera's campaign has launched a new advertisement criticizing Gonzales for jeopardizing Republican chances in the upcoming election. “An affair that puts Republicans at risk of losing this seat and handing control of Congress to the Democrats,” the ad warns, urging voters to support a “pro-Trump Republican.”
On social media, Gonzales asserted, “I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED,” sharing what he claims is an email from Santos-Aviles's husband’s lawyer discussing a $300,000 non-disclosure agreement.
Bobby Barrera, representing Adrian Aviles, confirmed that his client received correspondence from the OCC in November but chose not to cooperate at that time. Now willing to participate, Aviles's late engagement comes too late as the investigation has already concluded.
The existence of the OCC investigation was first reported by Punchbowl News. Sources indicate that the report will be submitted to the House Ethics Committee immediately following the Texas primary.
Despite denying rumors of an affair shortly after Santos-Aviles's death, new reports suggest she had confided in a colleague about her relationship with Gonzales. While NBC News has not verified these claims, they add complexity to an already fraught situation.
Barrera stated that Aviles believed his wife was involved with Gonzales and mentioned discovering texts that allegedly confirm this affair. Although they plan to release these messages, they have yet to do so.
In response to Gonzales's claims of blackmail, Aviles refuted any such accusations, labeling the congressman’s actions as deceptive and criticizing his request for police reports related to his wife’s death. “We have never blackmailed anyone,” Aviles asserted, emphasizing a pattern of evasion from Gonzales.
The Office of Congressional Conduct operates as an independent entity within the House of Representatives, staffed by non-elected volunteers including former members of Congress. While it lacks punitive power, it conducts investigations and can recommend actions to the House Ethics Committee, which holds the authority to act on those recommendations.
Gonzales, who entered Congress in 2020, has faced backlash from conservative factions for crossing party lines on significant votes, including support for an independent commission investigating the January 6 Capitol attack and backing bipartisan gun safety legislation following a mass shooting in his district. These decisions have fueled Herrera's challenge against him in the upcoming primary.
