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.
âI have never sent pictures to anyone,â the woman responded firmly when he allegedly requested explicit material.
Despite that, she said he continued to press her, sending additional messages and compliments.
âYouâre beautiful,â he wrote in one exchange.
The staffer later reflected on the interactions, saying she did not initially take them seriously.
âIâm retired from the Army, and Iâm used to the bad boysâ behavior,â she said. âIâve had to deal with it, unfortunately my whole career, and this has got to stop. Iâm 60.â
âTony never bothered me as far as, like, I didnât take him that serious, and I know how to say, âNo.ââ
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 âmistakeâ and âa lapse in judgment.â
The controversy escalated in recent weeks, with pressure building from within his own party.
Gonzales ultimately stepped down from Congress, announcing his resignation publicly.
âThere is a season for everything and God has a plan for US all,â he wrote. âIt has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.â
His departure came as he also ended his re-election bid ahead of a planned runoff in Texasâs 23rd Congressional District.
The former staffer who shared the messages said her perspective shifted after learning more about later developments.
She told reporters she didnât fully grasp the seriousness of the situation at first.
But after hearing about subsequent events, she said her view changed.
âIâm not totally innocent in all this,â she added, noting that she had at times engaged with him in conversation.
The episode has left lingering questions about conduct during Gonzalesâ campaign and time in office, as well as the broader political consequences that ultimately led to his resignation.