House Ethics Committee Extends Review of Representative Lance Gooden

The House Committee on Ethics announced on July 27, 2026, that it is extending a review of Lance Gooden, a Republican Representative from Texas. The investigation follows a referral made by the Office of Congressional Conduct on June 10, 2026. Under House rules, the committee must publicly announce when a review of such a referral extends beyond 45 days.

While the committee did not officially disclose the nature of the probe, Gooden stated the matter involves spending allegations. He characterized the claims as "bogus" and "baseless," attributing them to "dishonest unelected OCC bureaucrats." A separate 2021 complaint had previously alleged that Gooden failed to disclose the purchase of 12 assets valued between $60,019 and $376,000 in 2020.

Committee chair Michael Guest and ranking member Mark DeSaulnier stated that the extension and disclosure of the subject's name do not indicate that a rule violation has occurred. Gooden is the second Texas Republican to face such an investigation this year, following the April resignation of former Representative Tony Gonzales. The committee expects to announce its course of action by November 9, 2026.