WASHINGTON — Text messages obtained by The Post reveal that Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas) requested an aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, to “send me a sexy photo” before engaging in discussions about sexual preferences back in May 2024.
The texts, which were published on Monday by her husband, Adrian Aviles, came to light after Santos-Aviles tragically self-immolated in her backyard 16 months later.
Gonzalez texted Santos-Aviles around midnight on May 9, 2024, saying, “[S]Please take a sexy photo at the end.”
“This is going too far, boss,” she replied.
Undeterred, Gonzalez followed up with, “What do you like? Anal?” and expressed a desire for a photo of her, stating, “I’m just a visual person.”
Santos-Avilés then questioned, “Please tell me you didn’t hire me just because I was hot,” to which Gonzalez assured her, “Never.”
In a subsequent exchange, Gonzalez asked about her favorite sexual position. Santos-Avilés responded with, “Is your number one?” to which he replied, “With his feet secured.”
“This is too far, Tony,” she said, adding that the conversation felt overly explicit.
The messages were retrieved from Santos Avilés’ phone by a forensic team, revealing intimate exchanges with Gonzalez.
Requests for comments from Gonzalez’s campaign and Congressional office went unanswered. He is currently vying for a fourth term in the House amidst a tight primary election scheduled for March 3.
In a recent statement, Gonzalez mentioned, “In my six years in Congress, there has never been a formal complaint against my office. Just days before the election, organized political attacks are rampant. That’s not going to work.” He shared this sentiment on social media.
Adrian Avilés later took to social media, stating, “I don’t think anyone is right for you. You are a pervert, Tony, who is destroying families. You show no remorse, just denial and deflection.” He characterized the situation not as a political attack but as exposing Gonzalez’s true nature, expressing concern for how his son will perceive honor and integrity.
Avilés also criticized Gonzalez, saying he is “not worthy of any responsibility as a legislator or leader. Texans deserve leaders with integrity, not cowards,” urging former President Trump to withdraw support for Gonzalez’s campaign.
Regina Santos-Avilés took her own life on September 13, 2025, and the subsequent investigation ruled her death a suicide.
Mr. Avilés and his lawyer, Bobby Barrera, are seeking a settlement of up to $300,000 under the Congressional Accountability Act, alleging sexual harassment and workplace retaliation against his late wife during her tenure in Gonzalez’s Uvalde district office.
