Mike Johnson asks embattled House Republican Tony Gonzales to drop re-election bid

House GOP leaders have asked embattled Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, to drop his bid for re-election.

"The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzales’s conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously. Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation," the statement by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other top Republicans reads.

"We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election."

Gonzales' re-election bid has been plagued by scandal for weeks ever since allegations emerged that he had an affair with his late aide and sent her sexually explicit text messages.

The same aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, committed suicide by setting herself on fire outside her home late last year.

Gonzales suggested the affair did occur on the conservative "Joe Pags Show" on Wednesday evening but gave no indication he would drop out.

"I made a mistake and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions. Since then, I've reconciled with my wife Angel. I've asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever," the Texas Republican said.

This story is breaking and will be updated.