Texas Rep. Gonzales Admits Affair with Deceased Aide

Congressman faces ethics probe after months of denials

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) has admitted to having an affair with a former staff member, Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in 2025. Gonzales made the confession a day after the Texas Republican primary, where he finished behind challenger Brandon Herrera, setting up a runoff. The affair allegations, including explicit text messages, had circulated for months, but Gonzales had repeatedly denied them until now.

Why it matters

The revelations raise questions about workplace conduct and pay within Gonzales's office, as well as the congressman's judgment and truthfulness. The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct and potential abuse of power.

The details

Gonzales said he "made a mistake," had a "lapse in judgment," and that there was "a lack of faith," referring to the relationship with Santos-Aviles, a regional district director in his office who died by suicide in 2025. The congressman alleged that Santos-Aviles' estranged husband attempted to extort him for $300,000 after her death, which the husband's lawyer denied. Records show Santos-Aviles received a significant pay increase in 2024, the same year the relationship allegedly occurred, though Gonzales claimed the raise was part of a broader staff-wide adjustment.

  • In May 2024, Gonzales and Santos-Aviles allegedly met privately at a rental cabin near Uvalde on at least two occasions.
  • In September 2025, Santos-Aviles died by suicide in the backyard of her Uvalde, Texas home.
  • On March 4, 2026, a day after the Texas Republican primary, Gonzales admitted to the affair during a radio interview.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman representing Texas's 23rd Congressional District who has admitted to having an affair with a former staff member.

Regina Santos-Aviles

A former regional district director in Gonzales's congressional office who died by suicide in 2025.

Brandon Herrera

Gonzales's challenger in the Texas Republican primary, who received more votes than Gonzales, setting up a runoff.

Adrian Aviles

The estranged husband of Regina Santos-Aviles, who Gonzales alleged attempted to extort him for $300,000 after his wife's death.

Bobby Barrera

The attorney representing Adrian Aviles, who denied Gonzales's extortion claims.

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What’s next

The House Ethics Committee has announced it will establish an investigative subcommittee to examine the allegations against Gonzales.

The takeaway

This scandal highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in elected office. The revelations about Gonzales's affair and potential abuse of power have eroded public trust and raised serious questions about his fitness to continue serving in Congress.