House ethics panel probes Gonzales affair allegations after first round of primary

The House Ethics Committee on Wednesday opened a probe into Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, over allegations of an affair with a staffer who later committed suicide.

Gonzales was forced into a runoff Tuesday evening against primary challenger Brandon Herrera. President Donald Trump endorsed Gonzales but declined to reiterate that endorsement amid the scandal.

The House panel announced Wednesday, according to The Hill, that it would explore if the lawmaker violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties or the discharge of his responsibilities, with respect to allegations that he may have: (1) engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his congressional office; and/or (2) discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges.”

The runoff is set for May 26 and is expected to be competitive. Tuesday evening saw Gonzales's fellow incumbent, Dan Crenshaw, lose outright to primary challenger Steve Toth.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.