Congressman Gonzales' Explicit Texts to Late Staffer Revealed

Married Republican lawmaker asked for "sexy pic" and fantasized about sex with 35-year-old congressional aide before her suicide

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Texts exchanged between U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales and his late congressional staffer Regina Ann Santos-Aviles in the early hours of May 9, 2024 have been published, showing the married lawmaker asking the 35-year-old for "a sexy pic" and discussing sexual positions and a planned meetup just days later. Santos-Aviles' husband later learned of the affair, and she died by suicide in September of that year.

Why it matters

The publication of these explicit messages between a powerful elected official and his young staffer raises serious ethical concerns about abuse of power, inappropriate workplace relationships, and the potential role of these factors in Santos-Aviles' tragic death. It also highlights the need for stronger policies and oversight to prevent such misconduct in congressional offices.

The details

The text exchange began at 12:15 a.m. on May 9, 2024 and lasted nearly an hour. In the messages, Gonzales asked Santos-Aviles to send him "a sexy pic" and inquired about her favorite sexual positions. He also fantasized about having sex with her and arranged to meet up with her two days later, saying "Will be lots of fun." Santos-Aviles' husband, Adrian Aviles, learned of the affair a few weeks later, and the couple eventually separated. In September of that year, the 35-year-old Santos-Aviles died by suicide, setting herself on fire.

  • The text exchange began at 12:15 a.m. on May 9, 2024 and lasted nearly an hour.
  • Santos-Aviles' husband learned of the affair a few weeks after the text exchange.
  • Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2024.

The players

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales

A married Republican congressman who engaged in an inappropriate relationship with his congressional staffer.

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles

A 35-year-old congressional staffer who died by suicide in September 2024 after her affair with Congressman Gonzales was discovered by her husband.

Adrian Aviles

The husband of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who learned of his wife's affair with Congressman Gonzales a few weeks after the text exchange.

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What they’re saying

“Will be lots of fun.”

— U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The publication of these texts has sparked calls for an ethics investigation into Congressman Gonzales' conduct. His office has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The takeaway

This scandal underscores the need for stronger policies and oversight to prevent abuse of power and inappropriate relationships between elected officials and their staff. It also highlights the tragic human toll when such misconduct comes to light.