Second Staffer Accuses Rep. Gonzales of Sending Explicit Texts

The former political director says the Texas Republican repeatedly asked for sex and nude photos despite her refusals.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:25pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic office space with a single desk lamp casting a warm glow, conveying a sense of political tension and unease.The allegations against Rep. Gonzales expose the troubling reality of sexual misconduct and abuse of power within the halls of government.Gonzales Today

A second former staffer of Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, has come forward alleging that the congressman sent her sexually explicit text messages while she was working for him. The woman, who previously served in the Army and worked as a defense contractor, said Gonzales repeatedly expressed wanting to have sex with her and asked her to send nude photos, which she rebuffed every time. This latest revelation comes a month after Gonzales dropped out of his primary runoff after the House Ethics Committee said it was investigating his relationship with another woman, a congressional aide who died by suicide last year.

Why it matters

The allegations against Gonzales raise serious concerns about his conduct and abuse of power as an elected official. The House Ethics Committee is already investigating his past relationship with a congressional aide, and these new claims further undermine public trust in the congressman. The situation also has political implications, as Gonzales' seat is critical for the slim Republican majority in the House.

The details

The former political director said Gonzales came to her house a couple of times to discuss the campaign but never tried to get physical with her. However, in text messages, she said he repeatedly expressed wanting to have sex with her and asked her to send nude photos, which she rebuffed every time. She said there were more text messages than those published by the San Antonio Express-News, some of which were 'too salacious' to share. The woman said she had not spoken to Gonzales since early 2021.

  • In May 2024, Gonzales exchanged sexually explicit messages with a congressional aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide.
  • In March 2026, Gonzales dropped out of his primary runoff after the House Ethics Committee said it was investigating his relationship with Santos-Aviles.
  • On April 6, 2026, a second former staffer came forward alleging that Gonzales sent her sexually explicit text messages while she was working for him.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman from Texas who is accused of sending sexually explicit text messages to two former staffers.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A former congressional aide who died by suicide in 2025 after exchanging sexually explicit messages with Gonzales.

The former political director

A woman who previously served in the Army and worked as a defense contractor before working on Gonzales' 2020 campaign, and who is now accusing him of sending her sexually explicit text messages.

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What they’re saying

“'I call it sexual bullying. The objective is not to beat a dead horse. 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?'”

— The former political director

“'47 nos is about my limit'”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee is continuing its investigation into Gonzales' conduct, and it remains to be seen if any further action will be taken against him before his term ends in January 2027.

The takeaway

The allegations against Rep. Gonzales highlight the ongoing issue of sexual misconduct and abuse of power by elected officials, and the need for stronger accountability and oversight measures to prevent such behavior from occurring. This case also underscores the importance of creating safe and supportive work environments for all staff, regardless of their position or gender.