Husband of Rep. Gonzales Aide Who Died by Suicide Claims Politician 'Abused His Power'

Adrian Aviles alleges his late wife Regina Santos-Aviles had an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales before her death

Feb. 25, 2026 at 8:39am

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The husband of Regina Santos-Aviles, a congressional aide who fatally set herself on fire in 2025, is speaking out about his wife's alleged romantic relationship with Rep. Tony Gonzales. Adrian Aviles claims Gonzales 'abused his power' by becoming involved with Santos-Aviles, who was Gonzales' regional district director. Aviles says his wife fell into depression after he discovered the affair through text messages on her phone in 2024, and that her death was 'a cry for help' rather than an intentional suicide.

Why it matters

This case raises serious questions about the abuse of power and potential misconduct by an elected official, as well as the tragic personal consequences that can result. It also highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in political offices, as well as better support for mental health issues among public servants.

The details

According to the report, a former staffer in Gonzales' district office claimed Santos-Aviles had told him about her alleged romantic relationship with Gonzales in 2024. Aviles says he discovered the affair through text messages on his wife's phone in May 2024, which he described as 'very sexual in nature' and included numerous requests from Gonzales for Santos-Aviles to send him photos. Aviles and Santos-Aviles initially tried to repair their marriage with counseling, but they ultimately separated a few months later. Aviles says his wife's mental health then 'progressively just started spiraling' and she appeared 'noticeably depressed' before her death.

  • On May 31, 2024, Adrian Aviles discovered the alleged affair between his wife and Rep. Gonzales.
  • On September 13, 2025, Regina Santos-Aviles poured gasoline on herself outside her home in Uvalde, Texas and became engulfed in flames.
  • Regina Santos-Aviles died the day after the self-immolation incident on September 14, 2025.

The players

Adrian Aviles

The husband of Regina Santos-Aviles, who is speaking out about his late wife's alleged affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A congressional aide who fatally set herself on fire in September 2025, allegedly after falling into depression over an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales.

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A U.S. Congressman who Aviles claims 'abused his power' by becoming romantically involved with his wife, Regina Santos-Aviles, who was Gonzales' regional district director.

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What they’re saying

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

— Adrian Aviles, Husband of Regina Santos-Aviles

“I hope that Tony will stand up and be accountable for his actions.”

— Adrian Aviles, Husband of Regina Santos-Aviles

“It was a cry for help that turned into a tragedy.”

— Adrian Aviles, Husband of Regina Santos-Aviles

What’s next

The case remains under investigation, and it is unclear if any formal charges or disciplinary actions will be taken against Rep. Gonzales.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in political offices, as well as the importance of providing robust mental health support for public servants who may be facing personal crises. It also underscores the devastating consequences that can result from the abuse of power and unethical behavior by elected officials.