**Excerpt:** The House Ethics Committee is investigating Rep. Tony Gonzales amid allegations of an affair with a deceased aide, raising ethical concerns and prompting calls for his resignation.
**Key Points:**
– The House Ethics Committee is investigating GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales for alleged misconduct.
– The inquiry follows claims of an affair with aide Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide.
– Gonzales denies the allegations and accuses Santos-Aviles’ husband of extortion.
– The committee will examine potential violations of the Code of Official Conduct.
– Calls for Gonzales’ resignation have come from both Democrats and some Republicans.
Investigation Announcement
The House Ethics Committee announced on Wednesday that it is initiating an investigation into Texas GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales. This decision comes in response to allegations that he had an affair with his aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide.
Background of the Allegations
The announcement from the Ethics Committee occurred a day after the Texas primaries, where Gonzales is facing a runoff against Brandon Herrera, who has also urged him to resign. Gonzales has publicly denied the affair, claiming that he is being extorted by Santos-Aviles’ husband.
Ethical Concerns
The committee’s investigation will focus on whether Gonzales violated any laws, rules, or standards of conduct in relation to the allegations. Specifically, they will look into claims that he engaged in sexual misconduct with an employee in his congressional office and whether he provided unfair privileges or favors.
Legislative Implications
Calls for Gonzales to resign have intensified, with both Democrats and some Republicans expressing their disapproval of the allegations. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the situation as “detestable.” However, Johnson’s slim majority in the House makes it challenging to lose any members.
Details of the Aide’s Death
Text messages from Santos-Aviles, which were disclosed last month, indicate the nature of her relationship with Gonzales. In one exchange, she stated, “I had an affair with our boss and I’m fine.” Santos-Aviles died in September after a tragic incident where she reportedly set herself on fire, telling police upon arrival, “my god, I don’t wanna die.” Both Gonzales and Santos-Aviles were married at the time of the alleged affair.
CBS News has attempted to contact Gonzales for further comment on the situation.
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