Rep. Tony Gonzales Admits Affair with Former Aide Who Died in 2025

Gonzales faces ethics probe after months of denying relationship with staffer Regina Santos-Aviles

Published on Mar. 6, 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 had previously denied the allegations for months, but finally confessed to the relationship during a radio interview a day after the Texas Republican primary, in which he finished behind his challenger. The affair has raised questions about workplace conduct and pay in Gonzales's office, as records show Santos-Aviles received a significant pay increase in 2024, the same year the relationship allegedly occurred.

Why it matters

The admission of the affair and the subsequent ethics investigation have dealt a major blow to Gonzales's political career, as he faces a runoff election in May. The scandal has also raised broader questions about power dynamics and accountability in congressional offices, particularly regarding relationships between lawmakers and their staff.

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 September 2025. The affair allegations gained renewed attention during the primary after text messages between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles surfaced, showing the congressman asking the staffer to send him explicit photos and discussing sexual preferences. Gonzales has also alleged that Santos-Aviles' estranged husband attempted to extort him for $300,000 after her death, a claim the husband's attorney has denied.

  • 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, Gonzales admitted to the affair during a radio interview, a day after the Texas Republican primary.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Texas's 23rd Congressional District.

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.

Adrian Aviles

The estranged husband of Regina Santos-Aviles, who Gonzales has accused of attempting to extort him.

Bobby Barrera

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

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What they’re saying

“The rumors are completely untruthful, and Regina's family has asked for privacy.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Texas Tribune Festival)

“A total disaster. Tony Gonzales' video is textbook case of what NOT to do. He shows no contrition or empathy for his staffer who died, shows no sincerity to his constituents for lying, and actually attacks the widower and family of his dead staffer. And smears the widower as gay.”

— A senior Republican Member (X)

“Representative Gonzalez has done the right thing by admitting fault in having an affair. Now he needs to make the responsible choice, focus on his family, and stop his current reelection bid for his congressional seat.”

— Rep. Marlin Stutzman, (R-IN) (X)

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee has announced that it has voted to establish an investigative subcommittee to examine allegations that Gonzales may have engaged in sexual misconduct with an employee or provided special favors or privileges.

The takeaway

The Gonzales scandal highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in congressional offices to prevent abuse of power and protect staff. It also underscores the importance of elected officials being truthful and transparent with their constituents, even when facing difficult personal circumstances.