Texas Congressman Faces Scrutiny Over Campaign Spending

A Democrat in the House accused a Republican challenger of using donor funds for personal leisure after spending at Disney World was reported. However, records for Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, show about $20,000 in campaign expenditures during international and domestic trips with his wife, including a visit to Disney World, a stay at a luxury hotel in the UAE, and dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Zurich.

In October 2025, Gonzalez criticized Republican Mayra Flores for potentially traveling to Disney World with campaign money. Yet, Gonzalez’s social media posts from April showed him at Disney World, coinciding with campaign expenses of over $1,100 at the theme park.

The campaign expenses were examined by Fox News Digital and included multiple high-end hotels and restaurant payments from Washington to Texas, as well as various international locations.

On a 2024 trip to the UAE, Gonzalez’s campaign spent more than $13,000 on airfare and hotels. His social media indicated this was an “after campaign break,” with photos featuring him and his wife enjoying the sights and staying at a luxury beachside hotel. The congressman is defending his South Texas seat against Republican Eric Flores, who recently defeated Mayra Flores.

Despite Gonzalez’s remarks about Mayra Flores traveling on donor money, federal records show his own campaign spent $1,122.76 on Disney expenses in 2025, around his posted trip date. Gonzalez defended these expenses, citing a Financial Services trip with a colleague as the reason.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) allows campaign funds to cover travel costs for candidates, spouses, and children if trips are campaign-related. However, personal expenses unrelated to campaign duties must be reimbursed.

Gonzalez’s campaign manager, Alex Philley, stated that all expenses are legal and disclosed, criticizing opponent Eric Flores for supporting policies that burden South Texans with higher costs. FEC records listed Disney payments as “travel expenses,” without detailing their campaign connection.

For example, a 2019 trip to Morocco under a cultural exchange program was funded partially by campaign expenses for his wife’s travel. In December 2024, his campaign documented $12,810 for travel to the UAE, with accompanying expenses at a luxury hotel.

In August 2025, Gonzalez posted about Switzerland, with campaign records showing payments to Swiss Air and a Michelin-starred restaurant in Zurich. In Rome, Gonzalez posted a 2025 photo of meeting the Pope, corresponding with expenses at a luxury hotel.Philley stated the trip was not vacation, and accommodations were committee-booked.

Between 2024 and 2026, Gonzalez’s campaign recorded thousands of dollars in luxury hotel and dining expenses across the U.S., including venues in Washington, Houston, and several upscale D.C. restaurants.

More recent reports highlight a $1,019 expense at California’s Ojai Valley Inn, and over $1,400 at Pennsylvania’s Omni Bedford Springs Resort, detailing amenities like spas, pools, and golf facilities.