Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez from Texas faces allegations regarding a romantic involvement with a former aide, Regina Santos-Avilés, who tragically died by self-immolation last year.
A report in the San Antonio Express-News indicated that prior to her death, Santos-Avilés messaged another member of Gonzalez’s team, disclosing the affair. A former district office employee revealed that Santos-Avilés confided in him about the relationship in early 2024, expressing that she fell into deep depression after her husband discovered the affair and that Gonzalez reportedly distanced himself from her. This former staffer shared screenshots of messages where Santos-Avilés mentioned “an affair with his boss.”
Santos-Avilés died in September outside her home in Uvalde, Texas. Sources close to the issue mentioned that the relationship had been somewhat of an open secret within Texas political circles.
While the Daily Caller could not directly confirm the affair, rumors had circulated for some months, and a source tied to Gonzalez’s office affirmed the relationship with the deceased aide.
A lawyer representing the husband of Santos-Avilés mentioned that although the relationship was generally known, he did not believe it contributed to her death. Authorities confirmed no evidence of foul play, indicating that both Santos-Avilés and Gonzalez were married at the time of the alleged affair.
Initial inquiries to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in September about Santos-Avilés’s death were directed to a public records request. A Texas DPS spokesperson later stated that they were collaborating with local police on this matter.
A former staffer, who contemplated revealing the affair allegations last November but opted against it due to job security fears, stated that he took extended leave following Santos-Avilés’s suicide and felt he could no longer align with Gonzalez’s ideals. He eventually resigned and relocated to Los Angeles, working on Democratic campaigns.
Other former employees voiced frustration over not being contacted by law enforcement during the ongoing investigation, which they felt should have included their testimonies. They noted that the relationship became well-known among staff during the 2024 campaign. One recalled that in May 2024, Gonzalez and Santos-Avilés met at a family vacation rental while Gonzalez was entrenched in the Republican primary race.
A couple of weeks after these meetings, Santos-Avilés received a distressing call from her husband, who had unearthed text messages revealing the affair. This took place right after Gonzalez’s narrow victory in the runoff. Later, Santos-Avilés reportedly informed staff about the relationship.
The attorney, Bobby Barrera, confirmed that the affair was not a secret among staffers, stating, “It’s common sense,” and acknowledged Santos-Avilés’s hesitation to speak out for the sake of their young son. He expressed that this was a deeply personal issue for Aviles and criticized the political motivations that overshadowed it.
In a text allegedly sent to a friend, Santos-Avilés wrote, “I had an affair with my boss, but I’m okay. You’re okay,” which was verified by the newspaper to have originated from her number.
Currently, Gonzalez represents Texas’s 23rd Congressional District and is vying for re-election amid a heated primary contest. Notably, Santos-Avilés was the Uvalde regional district director and a mother to an 8-year-old boy. Reports indicate that Gonzalez did not attend her funeral.
The Daily Caller attempted to reach out to Gonzalez for comments but did not receive a response before publication.
