The independent Congressional Ethics Watch is looking into Representative Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas) for an alleged relationship with one of his aides, who attempted self-immolation last September.
The Office of Congressional Conduct began its inquiry into Gonzalez last year, as confirmed by the husband of the late aide, Adrian Aviles, along with attorney Bobby Barrera.
Aviles, who was married to Gonzalez’s regional director Regina Santos-Avilés, mentioned receiving a letter from the OCC in November 2025.
Company policy explicitly forbids sexual relationships between lawmakers and their staff.
Santos-Avilés, aged 35, passed away in the hospital on September 14 from injuries suffered when she was set on fire the previous day after being doused in gasoline.
Aviles, along with Barrera, has claimed that the congressman, who is married with six children, had an affair with Santos-Avilés in May 2024.
The couple separated at the end of August that year, following several months of marriage counseling.
Aviles and Barrera subsequently filed a lawsuit under the Congressional Accountability Act, seeking damages up to $300,000 based on allegations of sexual harassment by Gonzalez and workplace retaliation against his late wife.
In return, Aviles agreed to a non-disclosure agreement regarding his purported private discussions with his wife.
Gonzalez has accused both men of attempting to “blackmail” him.
As he faces a challenge from Republican candidate and YouTuber Brandon Herrera in Texas’s 23rd Congressional District, early voting is currently underway.
The primary election is set for March 3rd.
If the allegations are proven true, the OCC could eventually pass its findings along to the House Ethics Committee for further action.
Requests for comment from Gonzalez’s congressional office, his campaign team, and the OCC went unanswered.
