A former aide to USA Republican party, Texas representative, Tony Gonzales acknowledged in a text message that she had an affair with him months before she fatally set herself on fire.
Regina Santos-Aviles wrote in an April 28, 2025 message to a colleague: “I had [an] affair with our boss and I’m fine,” according to a screenshot of the exchange obtained by The Post. The message was first reported by the San Antonio Express-News, which later withdrew its endorsement of Gonzales in the March 3 GOP primary, saying the congressman “has questions to answer.”
In a statement Wednesday, February 18, Gonzales declined to directly address the allegation.
“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 said.
“Ms. Santos-Aviles was a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place. Her efforts led to improvements in school safety, healthcare, and rural water like never before,” Gonzales added, accusing primary challenger Brandon Herrera of politicizing her death.
In December, President Trump endorsed Gonzales for a fourth term in the House.
On Sept. 13, 2025, Santos-Aviles poured gasoline on herself and ignited it in the backyard of her home in Uvalde, Texas. She died the following day from her injuries. She was 35.
Santos-Aviles, a wife and mother of one, served as regional director for Gonzales in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, which stretches across much of west Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border.
A former colleague who shared the text message said the alleged relationship became known among staff during the 2024 election cycle. According to that account, Santos-Aviles became distraught after her husband, Adrian Aviles, discovered messages between her and the congressman and alerted other staffers.
The colleague told the Express-News that Santos-Aviles’ role in the office diminished afterward, saying she “went from the number one employee in the office to nothing.” Meetings she had arranged were reportedly canceled, and she no longer accompanied Gonzales on district visits.
Gonzales previously dismissed reports of an affair as politically motivated attacks, telling 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 also rejected claims of a relationship, telling The Post last October that the reports were “completely false.”
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 for Adrian Aviles has said the family had concerns about the release of private records related to the case.