Texas Congressman Faces Backlash Over Alleged Affair with Staffer

Republican Tony Gonzales' local newspaper withdraws endorsement amid claims of inappropriate relationship

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Republican Representative Tony Gonzales is facing allegations that he had an affair with a staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. The San Antonio Express-News, Gonzales' local newspaper, has withdrawn its endorsement of the congressman in the upcoming primary election due to the revelations.

Why it matters

The alleged affair could impact Gonzales' political future, as prominent Texas Republicans have called for him to resign. It also raises questions about potential ethics violations, as relationships between members of Congress and their staff are prohibited. The news could also create political headaches for the GOP as it seeks to protect its slim majority in the House of Representatives.

The details

According to the Express-News, Santos-Aviles, who worked for Gonzales from November 2021 until her death in September 2025, had a romantic relationship with the congressman in 2024. Her husband, Adrian Aviles, discovered text messages confirming the affair. A former Gonzales staffer also revealed the texts, saying he considered exposing the affair in November 2025 but feared losing his job. Santos-Aviles' death was ruled a suicide by the Bexar County Medical Examiner.

  • In November 2021, Regina Santos-Aviles began working for Congressman Tony Gonzales.
  • In 2024, Gonzales allegedly had a romantic relationship with Santos-Aviles.
  • On September 14, 2025, Santos-Aviles died by suicide outside her home in Uvalde, Texas.
  • In November 2025, Gonzales addressed Santos-Aviles' death during an interview at the Texas Tribune Festival.
  • On February 19, 2026, the San Antonio Express-News withdrew its endorsement of Gonzales amid the allegations.

The players

Tony Gonzales

A Republican Congressman representing Texas's 23rd congressional district since 2021.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A former adviser to Congressman Gonzales who died by suicide in September 2025.

Adrian Aviles

The husband of Regina Santos-Aviles, who discovered text messages confirming the alleged affair between his wife and Congressman Gonzales.

Brandon Herrera

Gonzales' GOP primary opponent, who called for Gonzales to step down over the allegations.

Wes Virdell

A Texas Republican state representative who also called for Gonzales to step down if the allegations are true.

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What they’re saying

“People throwing rocks at me, saying I'm doing nasty thing—I totally get that. But the rumors are completely untruthful.”

— Tony Gonzales (San Antonio Express-News)

“This is completely unacceptable behavior for anyone, let alone a sitting member of Congress. Tony must step down.”

— Brandon Herrera, Gonzales' GOP primary opponent (X)

“If this is true, and it does appear credible, Tony should step down. The family deserves to heal and get past this terrible tragedy. That will be impossible to do if they have to see the person who did it show no remorse for the situation and get re-elected to represent them in Congress.”

— Wes Virdell, Texas Republican state representative (X)

What’s next

The GOP primary election in which Gonzales is running for a fourth term is scheduled for March 3. The House Ethics Committee may also investigate the alleged affair, which could violate the House Code of Official Conduct.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential consequences of inappropriate relationships between members of Congress and their staff, as well as the importance of transparency and accountability in elected officials' conduct. It also underscores the need for clear ethical guidelines and enforcement mechanisms within the halls of Congress.