WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales publicly addressed allegations he had an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide in an interview on Wednesday amid a formal investigation launched by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics.

The death of Regina Santos-Aviles, a former regional district director, has led to calls for Gonzales’ resignation. The U.S. House Committee on Ethics has since launched a formal investigation into Gonzales.

In a statement released under House rules, the Committee’s Chairman and Ranking Member announced the creation of an Investigative Subcommittee. The panel will examine whether Gonzales violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, or other standard in carrying out his duties. The investigation will focus on allegations that he engaged in sexual misconduct with a staff member in his congressional office or granted unfair special favors or privileges.

In an interview with conservative radio host Joe Pags on Wednesday, Gonzales acknowledged a personal “lapse in judgement” although he rejected claims that he had any role in her death.

“I made a mistake and I had a lapse in judgment and there was a lack of faith,” Gonzales said. “And I take full responsibility for those actions.”

RELATED: ‘This is too far’: Texts show late-night exchanges between Rep. Gonzales, staffer

The ethics probe comes as details have emerged involving Gonzales and a former staffer, Regina Santos Aviles, who died after setting herself on fire earlier this year.

RELATED: U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales forced into runoff by Brandon Herrera amid affair scandal

On Tuesday, Gonzales was pushed into a runoff against Brandon Herrera in the race for the Republican nomination for Texas’s 23rd Congressional District.

Despite the growing controversy, Gonzales told CNN he plans to remain in the runoff race and planned to address the allegations publicly on Wednesday.

“Fighting for the 23rd District of Texas is personal to me—I grew up here, I raised my family here, I retired from the military here, and since my first day in Congress I’ve devoted every single day to delivering results for our people here. Last night’s results show that community ties matter more than the filthy campaign tactics that have been used by my opponents. I will never stop working for this district and its wonderful people, and I look forward to continue earning their support for a strong victory in May,” said Tony Gonzales.Comment with Bubbles

JOIN THE CONVERSATION (1)

The winner will advance to the November general election.