Tony Gonzales affair controversy has resurfaced in Texas politics after the emergence of a text message allegedly written by a former congressional aide months before her tragic death. The revelation has intensified scrutiny around Rep. Tony Gonzales and introduced new questions about workplace boundaries, political accountability, and the personal toll of public life.
The message, reportedly sent on April 28, 2025, was written by Regina Santos-Aviles, a former regional director in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. In the exchange, she allegedly stated, “I had an affair with our boss and I’m fine,” according to reporting that cited a screenshot of the conversation.
The report was first published by the San Antonio Express-News, which later withdrew its endorsement of Gonzales in the March 3 GOP primary, stating that the congressman had questions to answer. The newspaper’s decision marked a notable shift in tone during an already tense primary cycle.
Santos-Aviles, 35, served as regional director for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, a sprawling region stretching across west Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border. Colleagues described her as deeply committed to community development. Her work reportedly contributed to initiatives involving school safety improvements, rural healthcare access, and water infrastructure projects.
On September 13, 2025, Santos-Aviles set herself on fire in the backyard of her home in Uvalde, Texas. She died the following day from her injuries. She was a wife and mother of one.
Her death shocked political staffers across Texas and drew renewed attention to internal dynamics within congressional offices.
In a statement issued Wednesday, February 18, Rep. Tony Gonzales declined to address the allegation directly.
“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,” Gonzales said.
He described Santos-Aviles as a “kind soul” devoted to public service and accused primary challenger Brandon Herrera of politicizing her death.
Previously, in an interview with KSAT in November, Gonzales dismissed reports of an affair as politically motivated rumors, stating that the claims were “completely untruthful.”
Santos-Aviles’ mother also publicly rejected allegations of a relationship, describing them as completely false.
According to a former colleague who shared the text message with reporters, discussion of an alleged relationship became known among some staff during the 2024 election cycle.
The colleague claimed that Santos-Aviles became distraught after her husband, Adrian Aviles, reportedly discovered messages between her and the congressman and alerted others within the office.
Following that period, her professional standing allegedly changed. Meetings she had organized were canceled. She reportedly no longer accompanied Gonzales during district visits. The colleague described a dramatic shift in her responsibilities, saying she went from being one of the top staff members in the office to having little visible role.
Those claims remain allegations and have not been formally adjudicated.
In December, the office of Ken Paxton moved to seal 911 calls, police records, and related materials connected to Santos-Aviles’ death following media requests. An attorney representing Adrian Aviles stated that the family had concerns about the release of private records related to the case.
The controversy unfolded against a broader political backdrop. In December, President Donald Trump endorsed Gonzales for a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Texas’ 23rd Congressional District remains one of the most closely watched swing districts in the state.
The Tony Gonzales affair controversy has evolved beyond a personal allegation. It now sits at the intersection of public office, media responsibility, internal workplace culture, and the pressures of electoral politics.
Questions remain unanswered. Did internal dynamics contribute to a professional fallout. Were campaign tensions amplified by personal rumors. How should congressional offices handle allegations of inappropriate relationships between elected officials and staff.
For voters in Texas, the issue may not be limited to the personal lives of those involved. It speaks to transparency, leadership standards, and institutional safeguards inside political offices.
As investigations continue and political campaigns move forward, the lasting impact of this controversy may extend well beyond one election cycle.
