Widower Accuses GOP Rep. Gonzales of Affair, Retaliation Before Wife's Suicide

Adrian Aviles claims his late wife, a congressional aide, had an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales before her death by self-immolation.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The estranged husband of a congressional aide who died by setting herself on fire is breaking his five-month silence with explosive accusations, claiming that U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) had an affair with his late wife, Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles, and that the congressman's office retaliated against her after Aviles confronted them about the relationship.

Why it matters

This case raises serious questions about abuse of power, inappropriate relationships between elected officials and their staff, and the tragic consequences that can result. It also highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in political offices.

The details

According to Aviles, he discovered the affair in May 2024 when he saw his wife texting the married congressman, who has six children. Aviles said the messages were "very sexual in nature," with Gonzales repeatedly requesting explicit photos. When Aviles confronted his wife, she admitted he wouldn't like what he saw. Aviles then confronted Gonzales' office, and he claims they retaliated by isolating his wife, giving her a month off work, and trying to push her out.

  • In May 2024, Aviles discovered the alleged affair between his wife and Rep. Gonzales.
  • In September 2026, Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles died by self-immolation outside her Uvalde home.
  • The Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide.

The players

Adrian Aviles

The estranged husband of Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide.

Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles

A 35-year-old congressional aide who worked in Rep. Tony Gonzales' Uvalde office and died by self-immolation.

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas who Aviles claims had an affair with his late wife.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I said the truth would come to light when it's time, and the time is now. Tony abused his power. He should have held himself to a higher standard as a congressional leader.”

— Adrian Aviles, Estranged husband of Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles (San Antonio Express-News)

“When that happened, they black-sheeped her. They severed communications with her. They gave her a month off. They're essentially trying to push her out ... and make her quit.”

— Adrian Aviles, Estranged husband of Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

The allegations against Rep. Gonzales are expected to be investigated further, and the circumstances surrounding Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles' death will likely be scrutinized.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in political offices, as well as the devastating consequences that can result from abuses of power and inappropriate relationships between elected officials and their staff.