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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.
