GOP Aide Died by Self-Immolation After Alleged Affair with House Republican

Text messages claim Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles had an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales before her tragic death.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A former Republican House staffer, Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles, died last year after setting herself on fire. According to text messages and a former colleague, Santos-Aviles claimed she had an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) in 2024, which led to a depression after her husband discovered the relationship and Gonzales allegedly cut her off. Gonzales, a married father of six, represents a district covering much of the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas.

Why it matters

The alleged affair and subsequent fallout raise serious questions about the conduct and potential abuse of power by a sitting Congressman. The tragic death of Santos-Aviles also highlights the need for better mental health support and intervention for congressional staffers facing personal crises.

The details

In text messages, Santos-Aviles acknowledged having an "affair with our boss" to a former colleague in Gonzales' district office. The colleague, who asked to remain anonymous, said the relationship was an "open secret" and that he had warned Gonzales' district director months before Santos-Aviles' death that he was concerned about her well-being, describing her as his "best friend". Santos-Aviles' husband's lawyer stated the romantic relationship was known, but did not believe it played a role in her death.

  • In 2024, Santos-Aviles claimed to have had an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales.
  • In the months before her death, Santos-Aviles' colleague warned Gonzales' office about concerns for her well-being.
  • Santos-Aviles died by self-immolation in 2025.

The players

Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles

A former Republican House staffer who died by self-immolation after claiming to have had an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales.

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican Congressman representing a district covering much of the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, who was allegedly involved in an affair with Santos-Aviles.

Santos-Aviles' Husband

The husband of Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles, who discovered the alleged affair between his wife and Rep. Gonzales.

Santos-Aviles' Colleague

A former staffer in Gonzales' district office who worked closely with Santos-Aviles and warned the office about concerns for her well-being.

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What they’re saying

“A former staffer in Gonzales' district office who worked closely with the aide, Regina Ann 'Regi' Santos-Aviles, said she told him they had an affair in 2024, and that she spiraled into a depression after her husband discovered the relationship and Gonzales abruptly cut her off.”

— Santos-Aviles' Colleague (San Antonio Express-News)

“A lawyer for Santos-Aviles' husband said her romantic relationship with the congressman was an open secret, and that he does not believe it played a role in her death.”

— Santos-Aviles' Husband's Lawyer (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

The investigation into Santos-Aviles' death and the alleged affair with Rep. Gonzales is ongoing, with questions remaining about the congressman's potential role and the office's handling of the situation.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency among elected officials, as well as improved mental health support and intervention for congressional staffers facing personal crises. The alleged abuse of power and lack of intervention raise serious concerns that must be addressed.