Second staffer says Rep. Tony Gonzales sent her sexually explicit text messages

Key Points:

• A second former staffer of Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, has come forward alleging he sent her sexually explicit text messages while she worked for him during his 2020 campaign, repeatedly asking for sex and nude photos.
• The woman, who served as Gonzales' political director, confirmed the accuracy of the messages reported by the San Antonio Express-News and stated she is speaking out to hold Gonzales accountable for his behavior.
• These new allegations follow a prior investigation by the House Ethics Committee into Gonzales' relationship with another woman, congressional aide Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide last year after exchanging explicit messages with Gonzales.
• Gonzales, who dropped out of his primary runoff but plans to serve the remainder of his term, has not commented on the latest allegations; the Ethics Committee is investigating potential violations of the House code of conduct related to sexual relationships with subordinates.
• The former staffer described Gonzales' behavior as "sexual bullying," noting she consistently rejected his advances and has not had contact with him since early 2021, emphasizing the need to stop such misconduct.