Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales Confesses to Extramarital Affair with Former Staffer
Republican Representative Tony Gonzales, who recently advanced to a runoff in his Texas district's primary election, publicly admitted on Wednesday, March 4, to having engaged in an extramarital affair with a staffer who later died by setting herself on fire. In an interview on "The Joe Pags Show," Gonzales expressed remorse, stating, "I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment." He further acknowledged, "And there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions." The congressman revealed that he has reconciled with his wife following the affair, which occurred in May 2024, with the late staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, a married mother.
Ethics Investigation and Leaked Messages Intensify Scandal
The House Ethics Committee is currently investigating Gonzales over allegations that he "engaged in sexual misconduct" with a staffer and "discriminated unfairly" by "dispensing special favors or privileges." Leaked text messages from last month between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles show the congressman requesting "a sexy pic," while other texts between Santos-Aviles and a former colleague discuss the affair. Santos-Aviles, 35, fatally set herself on fire in the backyard of her Uvalde home on September 13, 2025, and died the following day from severe burns.
Widower and Fellow Republicans Demand Accountability
Adrian Aviles, the widower of Santos-Aviles, has accused Gonzales of "abusing his power" by having an affair with his subordinate. Aviles has called for Gonzales, a married father of six, to be held accountable. Additionally, several House Republicans have urged Gonzales to resign over the scandal. In response, Gonzales claimed on the radio show, "There's a whole lot more to the story that isn't out there," and asserted that Santos-Aviles was "thriving at work," contrary to some reports.
Gonzales Denies Involvement in Tragic Death
Gonzales vehemently denied any responsibility for Santos-Aviles' death, stating, "I hadn't spoken with Miss Santos since June of 2024. She passed September of 2025... I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing. And in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else." The congressman, 45, will face Republican Brandon Herrera in a May 26 runoff after failing to secure a majority in Texas' 23rd District primary. Herrera, who nearly defeated Gonzales in the 2024 GOP primary, received nearly 1,000 more votes than the incumbent in the recent election.
