Rep. Tony Gonzales Concedes to Affair with Deceased Staffer, Labels It a "Misstep"
Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales openly acknowledged a relationship with a former staff member during an interview on Wednesday, marking the first time he has addressed the matter publicly. The admission comes in the wake of the tragic suicide of the staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, which Gonzales claims has been overshadowed by discussions of power and financial motives.
"I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment," Gonzales stated to radio host Joe Pags, taking full responsibility for his actions. He emphasized his reconciliation with his wife, Angel, and expressed his faith's strength following the incident.
Text messages from May 2024 reveal explicit exchanges between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles, including requests for provocative photos. In one exchange, Gonzales remarked, "This is going too far boss," indicating an awareness of the inappropriate nature of their communication. Santos-Aviles had previously confided to a colleague about their affair, stating, "I had an affair with our boss and I'm fine."
Tragically, Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire, a death ruled as suicide. Gonzales expressed shock at her passing, asserting, "I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing."
The timing of Gonzales's interview coincided with the GOP primary in his House district along the U.S.-Mexico border. Both he and his right-wing opponent, Brandon Herrera, will proceed to a runoff election in May after failing to secure a majority.
Hours before the interview, the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving Gonzales and potential favoritism towards staff members. The House's code of conduct explicitly prohibits sexual relationships between lawmakers and their employees.
Following the release of the text messages, calls for Gonzales's resignation have emerged from both sides of the political aisle. However, he indicated no intention to step down, expressing confidence in his chances for re-election despite previous close calls in primaries.
While Gonzales refrained from delving into specifics regarding his relationship with Santos-Aviles or the content of their messages, he hinted at undisclosed details, stating, "there's a whole lot more to the story." He acknowledged the importance of discussing workplace dynamics but criticized media portrayals as politically motivated.
"From day one, this has been about power and money," he asserted, claiming that he has faced relentless attacks over the situation.
Gonzales defended his actions regarding Santos-Aviles's employment, stating that she was treated like any other staff member and that her pay increase was part of a broader adjustment for all employees. Previously, he denied any affair and suggested that Santos-Aviles's husband was attempting to extort him for $300,000.
Adrian Aviles, Santos-Aviles's husband, has publicly accused Gonzales of destroying their family due to predatory behavior. His attorney has dismissed Gonzales's claims of extortion as unfounded and characterized their correspondence as standard legal procedure.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Additional mental health resources are available through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or via email at info@nami.org.
