Washington Scandal: Former Congressman Accused of Impropriety

A former congressman is making headlines for his questionable behavior during a campaign. Recently uncovered messages reveal that Tony Gonzalez, while running for Congress, attempted to engage in inappropriate relations with a campaign worker, who was significantly older and ultimately rejected his advances.

The San Antonio Express-News highlighted that Gonzalez (R-Texas), at 45, had solicited sexual favors and explicit photos from his political director in 2020, prior to a meeting with another staff member who tragically passed away in September 2025.

The political director, who is now in his 60s, chose to remain anonymous and disclosed some unsettling texts to reporters. These communications included requests like “squeeze your balls” and inquiries about her choice of underwear. Gonzalez reportedly stated, “I know what I want, and I won’t stop until I get it.”

In a message from July 20, 2020—though not independently verified by The Post—Gonzalez allegedly asked, “Help me fantasize about being inside me.”

The woman responded firmly, saying, “I have never sent a photo to anyone.”

Despite her rejection, Gonzalez persisted, even promising to delete any photos she might send.

He added, “You look beautiful. I want to spread your legs.”

A former military member commented, “I’m used to juvenile delinquency. I’ve had to deal with this throughout my career. This has to stop. I’m already 60 years old.”

She continued, “Tony never cared about me unless I was serious about him. And I know how to say ‘no.’”

During this time, Gonzalez’s wife, Angel, was giving birth to their daughter while he was engaged in hunting activities. The couple has six children together.

Following weeks of scandal, Gonzalez effectively resigned on Tuesday, facing potential ousting over his alleged affair with Regina Santos Aviles. He made this decision alongside Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.).

On social media, Gonzalez expressed, “There is a season for everything and God has a plan for all of us. It has been an honor to serve the great people of Texas.”

Last month, he also dropped his re-election bid ahead of a May 26 runoff against fellow Republican Brandon Herrera for the 23rd Congressional District.

Disturbing texts that leaked indicated Gonzalez’s requests for “sexy photos” and discussions of his sexual fantasies. He later downplayed the incident, calling it a “mistake” and “an error in judgment.”

Within Congress, Republicans were hesitant about whether to remove him, given the narrow Republican margins in the House.

However, a recent report rekindled the controversy, with a staff member revealing, “We did not take Gonzalez’s invitation seriously until after this poor girl passed away. I thought, ‘No, this guy is pure evil.’”

The woman later remarked about her role in the situation, saying, “I’m not completely innocent in all of this,” adding that she had “played” him.

She eventually offered her support for Herrera’s 2024 House campaign and stated that her views were more conservative than those of Gonzalez.

The former congressman has not responded to requests for comments.