Scandal Involving Texas Congressman Unfolds

In Washington, a staff member of U.S. Representative Tony Gonzalez acknowledged in a text conversation that she had an affair with the Texas Republican prior to his tragic suicide by self-immolation.

Regina Santos-Avilés seemed to confirm the illicit relationship in a message sent early on April 28, 2025, stating, “We’re having an affair with my boss and I’m fine with it,” based on the screenshots the Post acquired.

The San Antonio Express-News was the first to report Santos-Avilés’ admission, and subsequently withdrew its endorsement for Gonzalez during the March 3 Republican primary, remarking that the congressman “has questions to answer.”

On September 13, Santos-Avilés took her own life in a shocking act, setting herself ablaze in her Uvalde, Texas, backyard.

The 35-year-old, who was a mother and wife, served as Gonzalez’s regional director for the 23rd Congressional District of Texas, which includes a significant portion of West Texas along the Mexico border, encompassing the western suburbs of San Antonio.

As Gonzalez campaigns for re-election for a fourth term in November, he dismissed the allegations of an affair, first reported by the Daily Mail, as mere “people throwing rocks at me and saying I was doing something bad.”

“In politics, it’s better to have thick skin,” he remarked to local media during the Texas Tribune Festival in November. “That rumor is completely untrue.”

Efforts to reach Gonzalez, 45, who is married, early Wednesday went unanswered.

In October, Regina’s mother asserted to the Post that claims regarding her daughter’s affair with Gonzalez after separating from her husband, Adrian Aviles, were also “absolutely false.”

“I don’t see any benefit,” she mentioned at the time.

In December, the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opted to seal 911 calls, police reports, and video footage related to the devastating incident, in response to media inquiries.

Attorney Javier Guerra, representing Adrian Aviles, indicated that his client was worried about the possibility of his late wife’s personal information being publicized.