Disgraced GOP Rep. Sent Lewd Texts to Staffer Years Before Aide's Tragic Death

Damning new texts show Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales repeatedly pressed a former staffer for nudes and sexual favors.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:48pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a politician's hand holding a glowing cell phone, conveying the disturbing nature of the leaked text messages without showing any specific details.The damning text messages sent by a disgraced congressman to his former staffer expose the abuse of power and lack of accountability in some political offices.Gonzales Today

Disgraced Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales, who was forced to drop his reelection bid after revelations of his sexual advances on a subordinate who later died by suicide, sent hundreds of lewd text messages to another staffer years earlier. The texts show Gonzales repeatedly pressing the unnamed political director for nudes and sexual favors during his 2020 campaign.

Why it matters

This scandal further tarnishes Gonzales' reputation and raises serious questions about his conduct and judgment as an elected official. It also highlights the power dynamics and potential for abuse in political offices, especially when it comes to relationships between representatives and their staff.

The details

In 2020, Gonzales sent hundreds of messages to his then-political director, repeatedly pressing her for nudes and sexual favors. The woman told the San Antonio Express-News that Gonzales told her "I know what I want and won't stop until I get it." She urged him to stop this behavior, saying "This behavior needs to stop." Gonzales would go on to win his 2020 Congressional race and take office in early 2021.

  • In June 2020, Gonzales sent the lewd text messages to his political director during his campaign for Congress.
  • Gonzales was sworn into the House of Representatives in early 2021 after winning his 2020 election.

The players

Tony Gonzales

A disgraced Republican Congressman from Texas who was forced to drop his reelection bid after revelations of sexual misconduct with a subordinate.

Unnamed Political Director

A former staffer of Gonzales' who received hundreds of lewd text messages from him during his 2020 campaign, urging her to provide nudes and sexual favors.

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What they’re saying

“I know what I want and won't stop until I get it.”

— Tony Gonzales, Congressman

“This behavior needs to stop.”

— Unnamed Political Director, Former Staffer

What’s next

Gonzales has declined to step down from the House amid the growing scandal, and he dropped his reelection bid after getting into a May 26 runoff race for his 23rd Congressional District seat against Republican Brandon Herrera.

The takeaway

This scandal further erodes public trust in elected officials and highlights the need for stronger accountability and oversight measures to prevent abuse of power in political offices. It also serves as a tragic reminder of the human toll that can result from such misconduct.