Texas Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez is facing scrutiny over his campaign spending. Accusations arose after he criticized a Republican rival for alleged misuse of donor money at Disney World. Yet, his own records show extensive campaign expenses on travel and luxury, including a visit to Disney World with his wife.
Accusations and Personal Campaign Spending
Gonzalez called out Republican Mayra Flores, claiming she used campaign funds for Disney World. However, his own social media reveal a Disney trip with his family around the same time. His campaign spent over $1,100 at the Florida theme park.
Gonzalez’s broader travel and hospitality spending includes thousands on upscale venues from Washington to Europe. His campaign’s overseas trips often coincided with his wife’s presence, as indicated by social media posts.
Highlighted Trips and Spending
In 2024, Gonzalez’s trip to the UAE included $13,000 in airfare and hotel expenses, labeled as “after campaign break.” Photos showed him and his wife sightseeing. In 2019, they traveled to Morocco under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, with the campaign covering spouse travel expenses.
In December 2024, his campaign reported $12,810 to Emirates Airlines and $359.27 at a luxury Abu Dhabi hotel for “officially connected” expenses. Gonzalez shared photos of Abu Dhabi travels coinciding with these expenses.
In August 2025, Gonzalez and his wife were in Zurich, with campaign finances showing over $900 spent on airfare and dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Earlier, Gonzalez posted a photo with the Pope, while records showed campaign expenses at a luxury Rome hotel during the same week.
Campaign Spending Rules and Responses
Federal rules allow campaign funds for travel if connected to campaign activity, including for spouses. Personal vacations or family expenses unrelated to campaign duties are prohibited. If expenses mix personal and campaign activities, the campaign must reimburse the personal costs.
Gonzalez’s campaign manager, Alex Philley, stated all expenses are legal and disclosed, linking them to official business. He criticized spending concerns directed at Flores.
Between 2024 and 2026, Gonzalez’s campaign reported substantial spending at upscale venues across the U.S. This includes dinners at Washington, D.C.’s Capital Grille and luxury accommodations at California’s Ojai Valley Inn.