Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas faces mounting pressure after new text messages revealed explicit conversations with a former campaign aide four years ago, intensifying ethical concerns over his conduct. The messages, obtained by the San Antonio Express-News, show Gonzales repeatedly pressured the aide to send nude photos and engage in sexual acts, despite her refusal. This follows his prior admission to an affair with another staffer who later died by suicide, which House Republicans had already criticized.

The scandal complicates Speaker Mike Johnson’s fragile majority, as Gonzales remains a voting member despite suspending his re-election bid. Johnson previously urged Gonzales to withdraw from politics but has not addressed the new allegations. Ethics Committee investigators reportedly have additional undisclosed texts, raising questions about whether the panel will pursue expulsion—a move politically risky for Republicans already clinging to narrow control.

Gonzales, who has not commented on the latest texts, previously called his affair with Regina Santos-Aviles a “lapse in judgment.” His absence from key votes, including President Trump’s State of the Union, underscores his diminished role. Meanwhile, Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna condemned his behavior as “telltale predator behavior,” urging expulsion. The Ethics Committee’s slow progress has sparked internal frustration, with proposals to pair a vote on Gonzales with Democrats’ own misconduct cases to ease partisan tensions.

The situation highlights broader GOP struggles with accountability, as leaders balance party loyalty against ethical obligations. With Gonzales’ conduct under scrutiny and potential expulsion looming, the case could further erode trust in Republican leadership ahead of critical elections.