GOP Slams Rep. Gonzales' 'Disaster' Response to Sex Scandal

Congressman's comments about late staffer's death spark outrage within Republican party

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Rep. Tony Gonzales, a married Republican congressman, has faced intense criticism from within his own party over his public response to an affair he had with a 35-year-old female staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. Gonzales described the affair as a 'mistake' and a 'lapse in judgment,' and made controversial claims about the staffer's husband, alleging he sought money from Gonzales after her death. The GOP reaction has been swift, with one senior lawmaker calling Gonzales' interview a 'total disaster' that showed 'no contrition or empathy' for his late staffer.

Why it matters

The scandal has become a major political liability for Gonzales, a rising Republican star, as it raises questions about his judgment, ethics, and treatment of his staff. The fallout could impact his political future and the GOP's efforts to maintain control of the House of Representatives.

The details

Gonzales, a married father of six, acknowledged having an affair with his 35-year-old aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles. She died by suicide in September 2025 after her husband, Adrian Aviles, discovered the relationship. Before his admission, Gonzales had dismissed the allegations as 'blackmail' and 'coordinated political attacks.' In a podcast interview, Gonzales described the affair as a 'mistake' and a 'lapse in judgment,' and made controversial claims about Aviles seeking money from him after his wife's death, which Aviles' attorney has rejected. Gonzales also read from a police report alleging Santos-Aviles had claimed her husband was gay, which Aviles has denied.

  • In September 2025, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles died by suicide after her husband discovered her affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales.
  • In May 2024, Gonzales initiated contact with Santos-Aviles late at night, requesting a 'sexy pic' and pressing her for explicit details, according to text messages released by Aviles.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A married Republican congressman who acknowledged having an affair with his 35-year-old female staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, whose death by suicide in 2025 sparked a major scandal.

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles

A 35-year-old female staffer who had an affair with her boss, Rep. Tony Gonzales, before dying by suicide in 2025.

Adrian Aviles

The husband of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who discovered his wife's affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales.

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What they’re saying

“Those allegations are completely false. The female 'best friend' referenced is also my childhood friend, and there was no sexual relation between the two of us.”

— Adrian Aviles (New York Post)

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee has opened a formal investigation into Rep. Tony Gonzales' conduct, and several Republican members have called for his resignation, though he has declined to do so.

The takeaway

The scandal surrounding Rep. Tony Gonzales' affair and his controversial response has become a major political liability, raising questions about his judgment, ethics, and treatment of his staff. The fallout could significantly impact his political future and the GOP's efforts to maintain control of the House of Representatives.