House Speaker Urges Rep. Gonzales to Address Affair Claims

Gonzales denies "nasty" rumors about relationship with late staffer

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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House Speaker Mike Johnson said he told Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, to promptly address claims he had an affair with a staffer who died by suicide last year. The Office of Congressional Conduct is investigating whether Gonzales violated any House rules over the alleged affair.

Why it matters

The allegations against Rep. Gonzales, if true, could have serious ethical and legal implications for the congressman. The death of the staffer also raises concerns about the work environment and mental health support in congressional offices.

The details

According to reports, Rep. Gonzales had an alleged affair with Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles, who served as his regional district director in Uvalde, Texas. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2025. A former staffer said Santos-Aviles told him about the affair in 2024, and her husband's attorney confirmed the relationship was "common knowledge" among the staff. Gonzales has denied the "nasty" rumors, calling Santos-Aviles' death a "very tragic situation."

  • In 2024, Santos-Aviles allegedly told a former staffer about the affair with Rep. Gonzales.
  • Santos-Aviles died by suicide on September 14, 2025.
  • In November 2025, Gonzales denied the "nasty" rumors about his relationship with Santos-Aviles.

The players

Mike Johnson

The Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman representing Texas's 23rd Congressional District, who is currently seeking reelection.

Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles

Gonzales' former regional district director in Uvalde, Texas, who died by suicide in 2025.

Adrian Aviles

The husband of Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles.

Bobby Barrera

The attorney for Adrian Aviles, Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles' husband.

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What they’re saying

“I endorsed Tony before all these allegations came out. They're obviously very serious, and I've spoken with him and told him he's got to address that in an appropriate way with his constituents and all of that.”

— Mike Johnson, House Speaker (NBC News)

“People throwing rocks at me, saying I'm doing nasty things — I totally get that. But the rumors are completely untruthful.”

— Tony Gonzales (San Antonio Express-News)

“It's common knowledge. The staff was clearly aware this event was occurring.”

— Bobby Barrera, Attorney for Adrian Aviles (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

The Office of Congressional Conduct will continue to investigate whether Rep. Gonzales violated any House rules over the alleged affair.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in congressional offices, as well as the importance of providing robust mental health support for congressional staff. The allegations, if true, could have serious ethical and legal implications for Rep. Gonzales.