Tony Gonzales Admits Affair with Staffer Who Later Died by Suicide – What We Know So Far

The Texas representative faced a storm of allegations during a heated primary season. As controversy and accusations grow, the Republican, who vowed to remain in the race for his congressional seat, has been forced to make a tough decision.

In 2024, as campaign signs dotted dusty Texas highways and political pressure mounted by the day, United States Representative Tony Gonzales fought hard to retain his political seat.

Locked in a bruising primary battle to keep his congressional seat, the Republican lawmaker appeared focused on votes, rallies, and strategy. But behind the scenes — in the quiet hours just after midnight — a different drama was unfolding.

Shortly after 12 a.m. on May 9, Tony began exchanging late‑night text messages with a staff member, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, the director of his regional district office in Uvalde. And what began as a conversation quickly veered into territory that would later ignite a political firestorm.

The Late-Night Messages That Sparked a Political Scandal

According to messages obtained by the San Antonio Express-News, the congressman asked Regina to send him a "sexy pic." She replied that she had experienced a difficult week and suggested that he likely would not want such a photo. Tony, however, pressed forward.

He responded that he did want the picture — and urged her to hurry. Regina declined again, explaining she did not like taking pictures of herself. But the exchange did not end there. Tony continued messaging her, explaining that he was "a visual person."

The conversation soon shifted into sexual territory. At two different points in the discussion, Regina told him, "This is going too far boss." Despite those warnings, the messages show the pair discussing plans to meet just two days later while Tony was campaigning in the Uvalde area.

The texts suggested that the married congressman — a father of six — was pursuing a romantic relationship with Regina. Under U.S. House ethics rules, lawmakers are prohibited from engaging in sexual relationships with staff members.

A Devastating Tragedy Months Later

What began as a political controversy would eventually take a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing turn. Regina, 35, died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire in the backyard of her home in Uvalde.

An autopsy report obtained by the San Antonio Express-News found she had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.094 grams per deciliter at the time of the incident. After the horrifying events of September 13, she was rushed to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where doctors fought to save her. She died the following morning.

As the allegations surrounding the texts began drawing national attention, House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the controversy could cast a shadow over Tony's looming primary election.

"There's a primary there in less than a week," Mile told reporters. He added that the congressman needed to confront the allegations head-on as voters prepared to head to the polls.

A Husband Breaks His Silence

For months after Regina's death, her grieving husband said nothing publicly. But more than five months later, Adrian Aviles decided it was time to speak. In an interview with the San Antonio Express-News, he said the situation represented a disturbing abuse of authority.

"I said the truth would come to light when it's time, and the time is now," Aviles said during a Zoom interview from his attorney's office in San Antonio. He accused Tony of abusing his power by pursuing a romantic relationship with a staff member who worked in his district office.

"He should have held himself to a higher standard as a congressional leader," Adrian said. He added that he is not seeking an apology but hopes the congressman will take responsibility for his actions.

An attorney representing Adrian echoed those concerns. Lawyer Bobby Barrera alleged that Tony coerced Regina into a sexual relationship and later attempted to portray himself as a victim.

Denials, Accusations, and a $300,000 Dispute

Tony has firmly denied having a sexual relationship with Regina. At the same time, the congressman accused the widower's legal team of attempting to blackmail him by requesting $300,000 in exchange for a non-disclosure agreement.

Bobby rejected that characterization. According to the attorney, the request was part of a confidential settlement letter sent to Tony's attorney under the Congressional Accountability Act, which governs workplace rights for congressional employees.

Bobby said the relationship between Tony and Regina was widely known among some individuals, but they kept quiet at the congressman's request. He also rejected claims that the letter amounted to extortion, saying it simply outlined potential legal claims tied to workplace conduct.

As the controversy intensified, Tony faced direct questions about the allegations.

'I Will Not Be Blackmailed'

In comments to a journalist shared on X, the Texas congressman was asked whether he had an affair with the staffer and whether the reported text messages were authentic. Tony did not confirm or deny the claims.

"There will be an opportunity for all the details and facts to come out," he said. "What you've seen is not all the facts. And there will be ample time for all of that to come out."

In a separate post on X, Tony pushed back forcefully against the accusations. "I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED," he wrote. He also described it as "disgusting" to see people attempting to profit politically or financially from what he called a tragic death. The congressman additionally called for the public release of the Uvalde Police report.

Tony has previously received support from President Donald Trump. In a Truth Social post, the President described Tony as a "terrific representative for the wonderful people of Texas." Tony later shared the message on his social media account.

Congressman Admits Affair but Says He Had No Role in Former Aide's Death

Tony also answered questions about the controversy surrounding the tragic death of Regina in a conversation with radio host Joe Paglialuro. During the interview, Tony was asked directly about his past relationship with Regina.

He acknowledged wrongdoing when he had the affair with Regina, but framed it as a personal failure. "I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgement and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions," he said.

Tony added that he has since reconciled with his wife, Rachel, and sought forgiveness from God. "My faith is as strong as ever," he declared.

The interviewer pressed him for more details, specifically asking whether text messages that allegedly described Regina as hot and contained sexual references were authentic and sent by him.

Tony avoided addressing the messages directly. Instead, he said, "I will let the investigation play it out and share all the different details on it. I will say there is a lot more to the story, a lot more to the story that isn't out there."

While reiterating that he accepts responsibility for his past actions, Tony said he had not been in contact with Regina since June 2024. He noted that she died in September 2025, more than a year after their communication ended.

Addressing speculation about his role in her death, he stated, "This is what I think is important as well, is this whole notion that I had anything to do with her death. I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing, and in fact, I was shocked just as everyone else was."

Tony also alleged that financial motives may be driving the controversy. According to him, Regina's husband contacted his office shortly after her death to ask about potential death benefits and access to her retirement funds.

When asked whether that outreach came the same day she died, Gonzales replied, "Within hours, the next day," adding, "It was eerie, it was creepy, but that was the beginning of this was about money."

House Ethics Panel Moves Forward with Investigation

As Tony continues answering questions on this deeply personal and devastating chain of events, the House Committee on Ethics has opened an investigation into him. They have formed an Investigative Subcommittee to review the allegations against Tony.

According to a statement from the committee, the panel will examine whether Tony violated the Code of Official Conduct or any laws or rules.

The review is tied to allegations that he engaged in sexual misconduct with Regina in his congressional office and may have granted unfair favors or privileges.

The committee said the members who will serve on the Investigative Subcommittee will be announced later. It also stressed that establishing the panel does not mean any wrongdoing has been found, noting that it is part of the standard process for reviewing such allegations.

Republican Backlash and Calls to Resign

Even as he received support from some quarters, criticism within the Republican Party began to grow louder. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado became the first GOP lawmaker to call for Tony to resign. Rep. Brandon Gill later echoed that demand, writing that the congressman should drop out of the race.

Reps. Tim Burchett of Tennessee and Nancy Mace of South Carolina also voiced criticism. Tim told Axios that Tony "needs to go." Rep. Thomas Massie later joined the chorus on X, saying he stood with several colleagues in urging Tony to resign immediately.

Nancy also introduced a resolution directing the House Ethics Committee to preserve and publicly release records related to investigations of sexual harassment and unwelcome advances by members of Congress.

The proposal would require the committee to release reports and materials within 60 days, with victims' identities redacted. Nancy said the effort was intended to increase transparency. She argued that allegations of misconduct should not remain hidden behind closed doors.

A Political Fight Still Unfolding

Despite mounting pressure, Tony remained defiant. "I am not going to resign," he told reporters. Before the controversy erupted, Tony had maintained a complicated yet often supportive relationship with constituents in his sprawling West Texas district.

Some local leaders said he understood the challenges faced by rural communities struggling for attention and resources. Ruben Falcon, a former mayor in an oil town in West Texas, said Tony often recognized how difficult it could be for small towns to secure funding and support.

"He understood how hard it is to get resources … just to reach out and say, 'you matter too,'" Falcon said. But the growing scandal has collided with a closely watched election.

Tony and conservative activist Brandon Herrera were heading to a runoff in the Republican primary for Texas's 23rd Congressional District after neither candidate secured more than 50% of the vote to avoid a second round.

The first round of voting was extremely close. Brandon received 23,857 votes (43.3%), narrowly leading Tony, who garnered 22,979 (41.7%) — a difference of just 878 votes.

Tony Forced to End Reelection Bid amid Runoff Race

As the runoff approached, the controversy surrounding Tony continued to loom large over the race for Texas's 23rd Congressional District, forcing him to drop his reelection bid.

Tony, who had vowed to fight on, announced late Thursday night, March 5, that he will not seek reelection, ending a runoff between him and gun influencer Brandon.

"After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek reelection while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful," he penned in a statement.

Tony was facing extensive criticism after his controversial relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles came to light. His decision to resign now seems to stem from GOP leaders who urged him to end his reelection bid in a joint statement on March 5.

Despite not seeking reelection, Tony is likely to remain in the spotlight as the House Committee on Ethics continues its investigation and prepares to release its findings.