A former aide to U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, has acknowledged in a text message that she engaged in an affair with the congressman some months before she tragically died after setting herself on fire. The message, dated April 28, 2025, stated: “I had [an] affair with our boss and I’m fine,” according to a screenshot shared with news outlets. This disclosure was first reported by the San Antonio Express-News, which subsequently rescinded its endorsement of Gonzales for the March GOP primary, asserting that the congressman faced unanswered questions.
In a statement released on Wednesday, February 18, Gonzales refrained from directly addressing the infidelity allegation. He stated, “I’m not going to engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans.” He also commented on Ms. Santos-Aviles, calling her a “kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place,” citing her contributions to school safety, healthcare, and rural water infrastructure. Gonzales accused his primary challenger, Brandon Herrera, of exploiting her death for political gain.
President Trump had previously endorsed Gonzales for a fourth term in the House in December.
Regina Santos-Aviles tragically passed away on September 13, 2025, after pouring gasoline on herself and igniting it in her Uvalde, Texas backyard. She succumbed to her injuries the following day at the age of 35. Santos-Aviles, who was married and had a child, served as the regional director for Gonzales in Texas' 23rd Congressional District, a vast area spanning much of West Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border.
A former colleague who provided the text message revealed that the alleged relationship had come to light among office staff during the 2024 election cycle. This colleague indicated that Santos-Aviles became deeply distressed after her husband, Adrian Aviles, discovered messages between her and the congressman and subsequently informed other staff members.
The colleague further informed the Express-News that Santos-Aviles' role within the office significantly diminished thereafter. She reportedly went from being the “number one employee” to holding a negligible position, with arranged meetings being cancelled and her no longer accompanying Gonzales on district visits.
Previously, Gonzales had dismissed reports of an affair as politically motivated fabrications. He told local station KSAT in November, “In politics, you better have thick skin. I totally get that, but the rumors are completely untruthful.”
Santos-Aviles' mother had also refuted claims of a relationship, telling The Post last October that the reports were “completely false.”
In December, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office initiated proceedings to seal 911 call recordings, police documents, and other related materials concerning Santos-Aviles’ death, following media inquiries.
An attorney representing Adrian Aviles has stated that the family has concerns regarding the potential release of private records connected to the case.
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