Embattled San Antonio U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales revealed Monday afternoon that he’s leaving Congress as it becomes increasingly likely he might face an expulsion vote as early this week.
The Republican lawmaker tweeted that he would “file my retirement from office” on Tuesday, although it’s not immediately clear when he will actually step down.
Gonzales, who represents Texas’ 23rd District, had been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for having a relationship with a former staffer who committed suicide last year by lighting herself on fire. He admitted to the affair during a radio interview last month and subsequently suspended his reelection campaign.
More recently, the Express-News reported that Gonzales sent a series of sexually inappropriate text messages to a woman who advised one of his earlier election campaigns.
The renewed pressure on Gonzales to leave the House came as lawmakers on both sides pushed Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell to step down over accusations that he’d had sexual relationships with women in his office.
Swalwell announced his resignation shortly before Gonzales tweeted about his plans to retire.
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