Trump-Backed Texas Candidate Defended Coach Accused of Forcing Student to Exercise Nude

Eric Flores, a Republican running for Congress, previously served as lead counsel for officials accused of abuse and cover-up in a civil lawsuit.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A Donald Trump-endorsed Republican candidate for a key Texas congressional seat, Eric Flores, previously served as lead defense counsel for officials of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District accused in a civil lawsuit of forcing a minor student to perform exercises nude. Flores has touted his record of locking up child predators, but the lawsuit alleges the school district covered up the coach's actions.

Why it matters

The case raises questions about Flores' commitment to protecting minors, especially as he runs for Congress on a platform of supporting law enforcement and being tough on crime. The allegations could become a political liability as Flores seeks to win the Republican primary in a redrawn district that has become more favorable to the GOP.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that Edinburg High School football coach Ernie Alonzo ordered a minor student to "perform strenuous physical exercise completely nude" and "threatened and ordered him to remain nude" when he tried to cover himself. The lawsuit also accuses school officials Michele Peña and Oscar Salinas of knowing about complaints against Alonzo and illegally covering up his actions. Flores initially served as lead counsel for the district and individual defendants, but withdrew in November as he focused on his congressional campaign.

  • In September 2026, a civil lawsuit was filed in Hidalgo County, Texas against the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District.
  • Flores served as lead counsel for the defendants from September to November 2026.
  • Flores withdrew as lead counsel in November 2026 as he focused on his congressional campaign.

The players

Eric Flores

A Republican candidate for Texas' 34th Congressional District who previously served as lead defense counsel for officials accused in a civil lawsuit of forcing a minor student to exercise nude. Flores has touted his record of locking up child predators.

Ernie Alonzo

A high school football coach accused in a civil lawsuit of forcing a minor student to perform exercises nude.

Michele Peña

A principal at Edinburg High School who was accused in the lawsuit of knowing about complaints against Coach Alonzo and illegally covering up his actions.

Oscar Salinas

The athletic director of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District who was accused in the lawsuit of knowing about complaints against Coach Alonzo and illegally covering up his actions.

Raul Rocha

The parent of the minor student who filed the civil lawsuit against the school district and officials.

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What they’re saying

“The District disputes the allegations and stands by the integrity, professionalism, and dedication of its employees. Our focus remains on serving our students and families with the highest standards of safety, respect, and excellence in education.”

— Eric Flores, Attorney for Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (MySanAntonio.com)

“They've already admitted to basically every central element of our cause of action and to the damages. They've admitted they made these kids, at least four, if not more, exercise in the nude, straight out of the shower. Coach was watching them, admitted it was outside the course and scope of their employment, admitted the child was harmed, admitted that Coach has never been punished, things like that. It's insane that these lawyers have allowed that to happen.”

— Javier Peña, Attorney for the plaintiff (Raw Story)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the defendants to claim governmental immunity from the lawsuit.

The takeaway

This case raises concerns about Flores' commitment to protecting minors, especially as he runs for Congress on a platform of supporting law enforcement and being tough on crime. Voters will have to weigh whether Flores' previous legal defense of officials accused of covering up abuse aligns with his campaign rhetoric.