Republican Congressman Accused of Affair with Staffer Who Died by Suicide

Opponent claims Congressman Tony Gonzales broke ethics rules, calls for resignation

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, has been accused by his GOP opponent Brandon Herrera of having an affair with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide last year. Gonzales has denied the allegations as "completely untruthful," but Herrera and other Republicans are calling for Gonzales to resign, citing ethical misconduct and a potential risk to the party's control of the congressional seat.

Why it matters

The allegations against Gonzales, if true, would represent a serious breach of ethics and public trust, as well as potentially jeopardize the Republican party's hold on the 23rd Congressional District, a key swing seat in Texas. The situation has drawn comparisons to the 2022 primary upset of GOP Rep. Van Taylor over similar infidelity claims.

The details

According to the San Antonio Express-News, an ex-staffer in Gonzales' office said Santos-Aviles had told him in 2024 that she had an affair with Gonzales, providing a text message from Santos-Aviles confirming this. Gonzales has previously dismissed the allegations as untrue. Santos-Aviles, a Gonzales aide, died after setting herself on fire in her Uvalde home last year.

  • In November 2025, Gonzales publicly addressed the affair rumor for the first time in an interview with Punchbowl News, saying the "rumors are completely untruthful."
  • On February 18, 2026, the San Antonio Express-News reported on the text message from Santos-Aviles admitting to the affair with Gonzales.

The players

Tony Gonzales

U.S. Representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district, a Republican facing a primary challenge from Brandon Herrera.

Brandon Herrera

Gonzales' GOP opponent, who is calling for Gonzales to resign over the alleged affair.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A former staffer in Gonzales' office who died by suicide in 2025, and allegedly had an affair with Gonzales according to a text message.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ms. Santos-Aviles was a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place. Her efforts led to improvements in school safety, healthcare, and rural water like never before. It's shameful that Brandon Herrera is using a disgruntled former staffer to smear her memory and score political points, conveniently pushing this out the very day early voting started. I am not going to engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans.”

— Tony Gonzales, U.S. Representative (San Antonio Express-News)

“Similar behavior in our military would lead to court-martial and dismissal from service, and we should not hold the political leaders who oversee our armed services to a lower standard than the one to which our fighting men and women are held.”

— Brandon Herrera, Gonzales' GOP Opponent (San Antonio Express-News)

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.