Texas Congressman's Aide Claimed Affair Before Suicide

Rep. Tony Gonzales faces controversy as aide's text message alleges affair before her tragic death

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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An aide to Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas sent a text message to a coworker in April 2024 claiming she had an affair with the Republican congressman. The aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, died by suicide five months later. Gonzales has not commented on the allegations, but the text message has thrown his reelection fight into turmoil as voters in Texas have begun casting primary ballots.

Why it matters

The allegations of an affair between Rep. Gonzales and his aide have raised serious questions about ethics and conduct in his congressional office, potentially impacting his reelection bid in a closely watched race. The tragic suicide of Santos-Aviles also highlights the personal toll these types of scandals can take.

The details

According to the text message obtained by The New York Times, Santos-Aviles wrote to a coworker in April 2024 saying "I had affair with our boss and I'm fine," referring to Rep. Gonzales. Santos-Aviles died by suicide five months later, with her husband's lawyer confirming she had confessed the affair to her husband in June 2024. Gonzales has not directly addressed the allegations, saying he will not "engage in these personal smears."

  • In April 2024, Santos-Aviles sent the text message to a coworker claiming she had an affair with Rep. Gonzales.
  • In June 2024, Santos-Aviles confessed the affair to her husband, Adrian Aviles.
  • On September 13, 2024, Santos-Aviles sustained fatal burn injuries at her home, which was ruled a suicide.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman representing Texas's 23rd congressional district, who is facing allegations of an affair with a former aide.

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles

A former aide to Rep. Gonzales who claimed in a text message to have had an affair with the congressman, before dying by suicide five months later.

Adrian Aviles

The husband of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who confirmed his wife had confessed to an affair with Rep. Gonzales.

Brandon Herrera

A challenger to Rep. Gonzales in the Republican primary, who has called for Gonzales to resign over the allegations.

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What they’re saying

“I had affair with our boss and I'm fine.”

— Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, Former aide to Rep. Gonzales (The New York Times)

“She made the admission that she was having an affair with Tony Gonzales.”

— Bobby Barrera, Attorney for Santos-Aviles' husband (The New York Times)

“The rumors are completely untruthful, and Regina's family has asked for privacy.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (The New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.