March 4 (UPI) -- The House Ethics Committee on Wednesday said it opened an investigation into Rep. Tony Gonzalez, R-Texas, over an alleged affair with a woman on his staff who later died by lighting herself on fire.
The committee voted to establish a subcommittee to determine if Gonzales "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 toward an individual employed in his congressional office; and/or (2) discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges."
Gonzales on Tuesday faced challenger YouTuber Brandon Herrera in a Republican primary for his seat, and he closely trails Herrera. Now, he must launch a 12-week campaign for a runoff vote May 23.
He denies any wrongdoing and has resisted calls from other Republicans to resign.
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