A former congressional aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, died after setting herself on fire. Before her death, she had reportedly admitted to a romantic relationship with her boss, U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican. This revelation has surfaced through text messages and statements from individuals connected to Santos-Aviles, leading to significant attention on Representative Gonzales and his professional conduct. The circumstances surrounding her death and the alleged affair have prompted scrutiny and a withdrawal of political endorsements.
Background of the Revelation
The core of the recent reports centers on text messages allegedly sent by Regina Santos-Aviles. These messages, sent to a colleague, reportedly confirm an affair with Representative Tony Gonzales.
The texts were sent months before Santos-Aviles' death in May.
Her husband reportedly discovered messages confirming the affair.
Following this discovery, Santos-Aviles allegedly revealed the affair to other staffers.
Santos-Aviles, a regional director for Gonzales, was 35 years old and a mother of one. Her death occurred the day after she was reported to have made these admissions and following her husband's discovery of the communications.
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Conflicting Accounts and Perspectives
While text messages appear to confirm an affair, different individuals offer varying interpretations of its significance and impact.
The Affair as an Open Secret
Attorneys representing Santos-Aviles' husband have stated that the alleged affair was widely known among the congressional office staff.
This perspective suggests the relationship was an "open secret" rather than a hidden matter.
According to this view, the affair may not have been the direct cause of her death.
Family's Initial Stance and Later Statements
Initially, Santos-Aviles' family reportedly insisted her death was accidental.
Her mother had previously denied reports of the affair.
However, a lawyer for Santos-Aviles' husband later told outlets that the relationship was an open secret.
Circumstances of Death
Regina Santos-Aviles died from injuries sustained after setting herself on fire.
The incident occurred in May, reportedly after her husband found text messages confirming the affair.
She was found by emergency medical services while still conscious.
Authorities have stated that their investigation did not reveal evidence of foul play in her death.
She had reportedly begun taking antidepressants in the summer preceding her death, linked to stress from the affair.
Political Ramifications
The news of the alleged affair and the circumstances of Santos-Aviles' death have had consequences for Representative Tony Gonzales' political standing.
The San Antonio Express-News, which initially endorsed Gonzales, has withdrawn its support.
One of Gonzales' primary opponents has blamed him for the report, calling him "an irredeemable coward."
Gonzales himself has stated he will not engage in "personal smears" and will remain focused on other political issues.
President Trump had endorsed Gonzales for re-election prior to these reports.
Evidence of the Affair
The primary evidence cited for the alleged affair comes from text messages and the accounts of those privy to them.
A text message sent by Santos-Aviles to a colleague is described as admitting to an affair with Representative Gonzales.
These messages reportedly confirmed the relationship to her husband.
A lawyer for Santos-Aviles' husband indicated the affair was known to staff.
What is the exact nature and content of the text messages beyond an admission of an affair?
Was there any official inquiry or investigation into the alleged affair by congressional ethics committees?
Expert Analysis
Statements from legal representatives of Santos-Aviles' husband suggest a particular interpretation of events.
“The romantic relationship with the congressman was an open secret. He didn’t believe it played a role in her death.” - Attorney for Santos-Aviles’ husband
This statement frames the affair as a known element within the office environment and dissociates it from the cause of death, attributing her distress to other factors or a complex interplay of personal issues.
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Conclusion and Implications
The death of Regina Santos-Aviles and the subsequent revelations of an alleged affair with Representative Tony Gonzales have brought to light serious questions about workplace conduct within a congressional office. While text messages appear to corroborate the affair, the extent to which it directly precipitated her death remains a point of contention, with some close to her suggesting it was an open secret and not the sole cause. The political fallout has been immediate, with the withdrawal of a key endorsement for Representative Gonzales, indicating the sensitivity and gravity with which such allegations are viewed in the political arena. The husband's attorney has asserted the affair was widely known and not the cause of death, while acknowledging Santos-Aviles' increased stress.
Sources:
New York Post: https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/us-news/rep-tony-gonzales-aide-who-self-immolated-admitted-affair-with-lawmaker-text-shows/
The New Republic: https://newrepublic.com/post/206702/republican-representative-gonzales-affair-aide-suicide-fire
The Daily Beast: https://www.thedailybeast.com/married-maga-rep-addresses-bombshell-aide-affair-claim
