A string of resurfaced messages has intensified scrutiny around former Rep. Tony Gonzales, contributing to his resignation after weeks of mounting controversy.
According to the New York Post, newly published communications reveal that Gonzales allegedly made repeated advances toward a campaign staffer during his 2020 congressional run.
The woman, now in her 60s and requesting anonymity, said she rejected those overtures at the time.
According to messages she shared, Gonzales sent a series of inappropriate texts while she worked as his political director.
“I have never sent pictures to anyone,” the woman responded firmly when he allegedly requested explicit material.
Despite that, she said he continued to press her, sending additional messages and compliments.
“You’re beautiful,” he wrote in one exchange.
The staffer later reflected on the interactions, saying she did not initially take them seriously.
“I’m retired from the Army, and I’m used to the bad boys’ behavior,” she said. “I’ve had to deal with it, unfortunately my whole career, and this has got to stop. I’m 60.”
“Tony never bothered me as far as, like, I didn’t take him that serious, and I know how to say, ‘No.’”
The revelations add to an already complicated situation for Gonzales, who has been facing political fallout over a separate relationship with a staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles.
He later acknowledged that relationship, describing it as a “mistake” and “a lapse in judgment.”
The controversy escalated in recent weeks, with pressure building from within his own party.
Gonzales ultimately stepped down from Congress, announcing his resignation publicly.
“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,” he wrote. “It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”
His departure came as he also ended his re-election bid ahead of a planned runoff in Texas’s 23rd Congressional District.
The former staffer who shared the messages said her perspective shifted after learning more about later developments.
She told reporters she didn’t fully grasp the seriousness of the situation at first.
But after hearing about subsequent events, she said her view changed.
“I’m not totally innocent in all this,” she added, noting that she had at times engaged with him in conversation.
The episode has left lingering questions about conduct during Gonzales’ campaign and time in office, as well as the broader political consequences that ultimately led to his resignation.
