Tony Gonzales
Texts released by Regina Santos-Aviles’ widower show Rep. Tony Gonzales sent explicit messages to his aide months before her death, thrusting the Texas congressman into scandal ahead of a GOP primary. Facebook/Congressman Tony Gonzales

Texas congressman Tony Gonzales has publicly acknowledged a long-rumoured affair with a former staff member who died by suicide last year, breaking months of denial and speculation. The Republican representative admitted to 'a lapse in judgment' in his relationship with the late Regina Santos-Aviles and said he is taking 'full responsibility for those actions', even as he firmly rejects any suggestion that he was involved in her death.

Tony Gonzales Confesses Affair With Staffer Who Died By Suicide

In an interview with conservative talk show host Joe "Pags" Pagliarulo, Gonzales addressed his relationship with Santos-Aviles for the first time. The congressman had previously denied the affair when it was reported last year.

'I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions,' he told Pags. 'Since then, I've reconciled with my wife, Angel. I've asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever.'

Gonzales also pointed out that he had nothing to do with Santos-Aviles' untimely death.

'I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing. And in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else,' he said.

What Happened To Regina Santos-Aviles?

Earlier in February, CBS News shared explicit text messages between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles, who worked as an aide for the representative. The messages, which were sent in 2024, revealed that Gonzales pursued the staffer and urged her to share 'a sexy pic'. One message asked Santos-Aviles about her 'favourite position'.

After the exchange, Santos-Aviles' husband, Adrian Aviles, found out about the affair and confronted her about it. Aviles later stated that his wife's mental health quickly declined after Gonzales ended the relationship and that he blamed the representative for Santos-Aviles' condition.

In September 2025, Santos-Aviles died after she was found critically burned close to her home in Uvalde, Texas. Reports suggest that she had set herself on fire, but some also believed that there could be foul play involved in the incident.

Although there were suspicions about Santos-Aviles' death, it was ultimately ruled as a suicide by the Bexar County Medical Examiner. Gonzales continued to deny any involvement with the staffer until his Wednesday interview.

After her death, Santos-Aviles' husband continued to speak for his late wife and push Gonzales to take responsibility for her death. 'You ended a family because of your predatorial instincts,' he said of the representative.

Meanwhile, Gonzales has pointed out that the affair with Santos-Aviles has been brought up to drum up controversy against him.

'From day one, this has been about power and money,' he said, adding that people have 'been attacking me for months on this.'

Will Gonzales Resign Amid The Scandal?

Despite the controversy, Gonzales said that he doesn't intend to resign. He also revealed that he expects to win the GOP primary, pointing out that this would be the third time he has faced a primary runoff. In 2024, Gonzales defeated hard-right challenger Brandon Herrera by around 400 votes.

Incidentally, Gonzales' interview took place just one day after the GOP primary in his House district along the U.S.-Mexico border. He and Herrera had both advanced to a runoff election in May.

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