Texas Congressman Accused of Affair with Staffer Who Died by Suicide

Tony Gonzales claims he is being blackmailed over alleged relationship with former aide Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Texas congressman, Tony Gonzales, has been accused of having an affair with a former staffer, Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. Gonzales claims he is being blackmailed by the husband of the deceased staffer, Adrian Aviles, who allegedly discovered text messages confirming the relationship. The scandal has led to calls for Gonzales' resignation from some Republicans in Texas.

Why it matters

The allegations of an affair between a congressman and his staffer, and the subsequent death by suicide of the staffer, raise serious ethical and legal concerns about the conduct of an elected official. The case also highlights the complex dynamics of power dynamics in political offices and the potential consequences for those involved.

The details

According to reports, Gonzales, a married father of six, had a romantic relationship with Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old former staffer, in 2024. Santos-Aviles' husband, Adrian Aviles, discovered text messages confirming the affair, including one in which she acknowledged having an "affair with our boss." Santos-Aviles later died by suicide in September, setting herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales has denied the accusations, claiming he is being blackmailed by Aviles. However, a former staffer who worked closely with Santos-Aviles has confirmed the affair, and Gonzales' opponent in an upcoming GOP primary has also accused him of misconduct.

  • In 2024, Gonzales and Santos-Aviles allegedly had a romantic relationship.
  • In late May 2024, Aviles discovered text messages confirming his wife's relationship with Gonzales, one day after the congressman narrowly won a GOP runoff election.
  • In September 2025, Santos-Aviles died by suicide, setting herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde, Texas.

The players

Tony Gonzales

A 45-year-old Republican congressman who took office in 2021 and is accused of having an affair with a former staffer.

Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles

A 35-year-old former staffer for Gonzales who died by suicide in September 2025 after allegedly having an affair with the congressman.

Adrian Aviles

The husband of Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles, who allegedly discovered text messages confirming his wife's affair with Gonzales and is now accused of blackmailing the congressman.

Brandon Herrera

Gonzales' opponent in an upcoming GOP primary, who lost to Gonzales by just 400 votes in a 2024 runoff.

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What they’re saying

“I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED. Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death. The public should IMMEDIATELY have full access to the Uvalde police report.”

— Tony Gonzales, Congressman (X)

“This is clearly a last act of a desperate man who is going to do anything but admit what he did.”

— Robert Barrera, Attorney for Adrian Aviles (San Antonio Express-News)

“I had [an] affair with our boss and I'm fine.”

— Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Adrian Aviles to file a lawsuit against Gonzales under the Congressional Accountability Act.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex ethical and legal issues that can arise when elected officials abuse their power and engage in inappropriate relationships with their staff. It also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in political offices to prevent such abuses of power from occurring.