Washington, Feb. 23 -- Congresswoman Nancy Mace issued the following press release:

Congresswoman Nancy Mace issued the following statement following the release of disturbing text messages between Rep. Tony Gonzales and his late staffer Regina Santos-Aviles:

"These text messages are disgusting and inexcusable.

"A Member of Congress. Harassing his own staffer in the middle of the night. Asking for explicit photos. Pressing her on sexual positions. Regina Santos-Aviles told him he was going too far. He did not care. He kept going.

"She is gone now. Her son is growing up without his mother. And Tony Gonzales is campaigning like nothing happened.

"We have ZERO tolerance for those who abuse their power over others. Zero. It does not matter...