Texas Congressman Claims Blackmail Over Alleged Affair

Rep. Tony Gonzales accused of having an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas claimed he was being 'blackmailed' following a report he allegedly had an affair with a former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. The congressman's attorney denied the blackmail allegations, while the husband of the deceased staffer said he wanted the lawmaker to acknowledge the alleged affair.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the power dynamics and potential abuse of authority in political offices, as well as the need for better support systems and accountability measures to protect legislative branch employees from harassment, discrimination or retaliation.

The details

According to the report, the former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, wrote to a colleague that she had an affair with Rep. Gonzales. Santos-Aviles' husband, Adrian Aviles, said he found out about the alleged affair prior to his wife's death. Aviles' attorney claimed that after the discovery of the alleged affair, Gonzales retaliated against Santos-Aviles by restricting her job duties and advancement. Gonzales denied the blackmail allegations and accused Aviles' attorney of seeking money.

  • In September 2025, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles died by suicide after setting herself on fire in her backyard.
  • On February 20, 2026, Rep. Tony Gonzales claimed he was being 'blackmailed' over the alleged affair.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican U.S. Congressman from Texas who is running for re-election and has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles

A former staffer of Rep. Gonzales who allegedly had an affair with the congressman and later died by suicide in 2025.

Adrian Aviles

The husband of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who claimed he found out about the alleged affair prior to his wife's death.

Robert Barrera

The attorney representing Adrian Aviles, who denied the blackmail allegations and said his client wants the congressman to acknowledge the alleged affair.

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What they’re saying

“I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED. Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (X)

“There's nothing political here. There's no demand for him to resign. That's up to the voters of that district, whether they want a man like Tony Gonzales to lead them into the future.”

— Robert Barrera, Attorney for Adrian Aviles (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Adrian Aviles to proceed with a potential lawsuit against Rep. Gonzales under the Congressional Accountability Act.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger safeguards and transparency around power dynamics and potential abuses of authority in political offices, as well as the importance of providing adequate support and resources for legislative branch employees who may be facing harassment, discrimination or retaliation.