Recently released text messages seem to substantiate speculation that Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas) engaged in an affair with a staff member who later died by self-immolation.
In April 2025, Regina Santos-Avilés allegedly informed a colleague that she was involved with Gonzalez, who is married and a father.
“Are you blaming me? Are you making fun of me?”
A close aide of the now-deceased Santos-Avilés, who was 35 at the time, stated in a text exchange acquired by the San Antonio Express-News, “I had [an] There was no affair with my boss, I’m fine.”
Santos-Avilés died from self-immolation in her backyard on September 14, 2025, shortly after revealing her relationship.
Gonzalez has avoided addressing questions regarding his relationship with Santos-Avilés. In a statement to the New York Post, he mentioned he would avoid engaging in what he called “personal slurs,” emphasizing his focus on aiding President Trump with border security and improving life in Texas.
“Mr. Santos-Avilés was a kind-hearted individual who committed her life to community betterment,” Gonzalez remarked, acknowledging her contributions to local issues like school safety and healthcare.
Content creators have criticized the situation. Notably, YouTuber Brandon Herrera described it as “totally unacceptable,” arguing that it reflects poorly on Gonzalez, a sitting member of Congress.
“This is completely unacceptable behavior. Tony must resign,” Herrera asserted, echoing sentiments expressed on social media.
In response, Gonzalez accused Herrera of politicizing the tragic circumstances surrounding Santos-Avilés’ death. He suggested that the timing of Herrera’s comments, coinciding with the start of early voting, was particularly shameful.
Herrera reacted to Gonzalez’s remarks, emphasizing accountability and calling the Congressman an “irredeemable coward” while expressing a desire to unseat him.
Now, Herrera is running once more against Gonzalez, emboldened by prior remarks from figures like President Trump as the political landscape shifts ahead of upcoming elections.
