GOP Rep Refuses to Resign After Affair With Aide Revealed

Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales dismisses reports of his relationship with aide who died by suicide as "blackmail"

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales of Texas is refusing to resign after reports emerged of his alleged affair with a former aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. Gonzales has tried to dismiss the situation as "blackmail" meant to unseat him, but new evidence including text messages has surfaced that contradict his claims. Several top female MAGA lawmakers have publicly condemned Gonzales and called for his resignation.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about abuse of power and misconduct by elected officials, as well as the broader issue of how such situations are handled within the political establishment. It also highlights the tragic human toll when personal scandals intersect with mental health struggles.

The details

According to reports, Gonzales, a married father of six, had an affair with his regional district director, Regina Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old married mother. After her husband, Adrian Aviles, learned of the relationship, Santos-Aviles died by suicide. A former aide to Gonzales has alleged that Santos-Aviles' affair "was not a secret among the staff" and that she had been "frozen out at work" after texting colleagues about it. Text messages released by Aviles show Gonzales making inappropriate sexual advances toward Santos-Aviles.

  • On September 14, 2025, Regina Santos-Aviles died by suicide.
  • In February 2026, new evidence and text messages related to the affair were revealed.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A 45-year-old Republican congressman from Texas who is accused of having an affair with his aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A 35-year-old married mother of an 8-year-old boy who was the regional district director for Rep. Tony Gonzales. She died by suicide in 2025 after her husband learned of her affair with Gonzales.

Adrian Aviles

The 40-year-old husband of Regina Santos-Aviles who learned of his wife's affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales.

Bobby Barrera

An attorney representing Adrian Aviles.

Bobby Barrera

An attorney representing Adrian Aviles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There will be an opportunity for all the details and facts to come out. What you've seen is not all the facts.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (CNN)

“Tony abused his power. He should have held himself to a higher standard as a congressional leader.”

— Adrian Aviles (The Daily Beast)

“As a woman, this is really disgusting to see. Not to mention, it brings dishonor on the House of Representatives. I am so sick of people not calling this crap out.”

— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (X (Twitter)

“RESIGN!”

— Rep. Lauren Boebert (X (Twitter)

What’s next

The Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) has completed its investigation into the alleged affair, but under House rules, the findings cannot be transmitted because Gonzales is a candidate in an election occurring within 60 days.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater accountability and ethical standards among elected officials, as well as the importance of addressing mental health issues and the power dynamics that can lead to abuse of authority. It also underscores the challenges in addressing such sensitive situations within the political system.