A Texas congressman’s alleged affair with a staffer who died by self-immolation has erupted into a public battle over sexually explicit texts, blackmail accusations, and a potential six-figure lawsuit just weeks before a critical primary election.
Story Snapshot
- Text messages confirm former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles admitted to an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales months before her September 2025 suicide by self-immolation
- Her widower claims Gonzales sent sexually explicit requests like “Send me a sexy pic” and abused his power, leading to her job loss and emotional collapse
- Gonzales accuses the widow’s attorney of attempted blackmail via email demanding up to $300,000 for a non-disclosure agreement
- The scandal erupts during early voting for Gonzales’ March 3 GOP primary, where he faces challenger Brandon Herrera after surviving a 2024 runoff by just 400 votes
- Local GOP figures and the San Antonio Express-News have called for resignation or withdrawn endorsements as attorney Robert Barrera weighs filing a sexual harassment lawsuit
Power Dynamics and a Tragic End
Regina Santos-Aviles managed 11 of 23 counties for Rep. Tony Gonzales in Texas’ sprawling 23rd District, a job demanding constant travel across the border region and rural communities stretching from Uvalde to parts of San Antonio. Her husband Adrian Aviles discovered sexually suggestive text messages between his wife and her boss in May 2024, setting off a chain of events that would end in unimaginable tragedy. According to Adrian, Gonzales and his staff immediately severed contact with Regina, placed her on a month-long leave, and effectively pushed her out of her position. The couple had separated but were attempting reconciliation when depression and suicidal ideation consumed Regina, culminating in her setting herself on fire at their Uvalde home on September 13, 2025. She died the following day at Brooke Army Medical Center.
The Evidence That Won’t Disappear
Text messages obtained by the San Antonio Express-News paint a disturbing picture of workplace boundaries obliterated. Months before her death, Santos-Aviles texted a colleague: “I had affair with our boss and I’m fine.” That colleague, now working on Democratic campaigns according to Gonzales, shared the messages with media outlets. Attorney Robert Barrera, representing widower Adrian Aviles, claims he possesses additional texts showing Gonzales making explicit sexual advances, including requests for provocative photos, with Santos-Aviles responding “this is too much.” Barrera characterizes these as messages describing acts Gonzales “would like to commit,” providing potential grounds for a sexual harassment claim under the Congressional Accountability Act, which permits settlements up to $300,000 for workplace harassment. Gonzales has consistently denied the affair, calling rumors “completely untruthful” at the Texas Tribune Festival in November 2025.
Blackmail or Accountability
The scandal took a sharp turn when Gonzales posted a partial email screenshot on social media showing correspondence from Barrera’s law firm. The email appears to propose a confidential settlement and non-disclosure agreement for an amount up to $300,000, the maximum allowed under congressional harassment statutes. Gonzales framed this as attempted blackmail, declaring on social media: “I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED… Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death.” Barrera countered that the settlement offer represents standard legal practice when substantial evidence exists, emphasizing he holds phone records proving the inappropriate nature of Gonzales’ communications. Adrian Aviles told the Express-News that Gonzales “abused his power” and destroyed his family despite publicly championing family values, rejecting any characterization of his pursuit of justice as extortion.
Political Fallout in a Competitive Primary
The timing could hardly be worse for Gonzales, who represents a safe Republican district but faces intense internal party opposition. He won his last general election by 24 points yet nearly lost a 2024 primary runoff to gun activist Brandon Herrera by a mere 400 votes. Early voting is already underway for the March 3, 2026 GOP primary, with Herrera capitalizing on the scandal by demanding Gonzales step down immediately. The San Antonio Express-News withdrew its endorsement of the three-term congressman, and local Republican state Rep. Wes Virdell joined calls for resignation, stating, “If true… Tony should step down… family deserves to heal.” Gonzales has attempted to deflect, blaming Herrera and accusing the former staffer who leaked texts of partisan motivations, while praising Santos-Aviles’ work and characterizing the allegations as political smears designed to damage his campaign focused on border security and constituent services.
The Human Cost of Power Imbalances
Beyond the political calculations and legal maneuvering lies a family shattered and a woman who chose a horrific death. Adrian Aviles is left raising their son alone, grappling with grief while confronting a congressman he believes bears responsibility for his wife’s spiral. Regina Santos-Aviles, by all accounts a dedicated public servant managing nearly half the counties in one of Texas’ largest congressional districts, found herself professionally isolated and emotionally devastated after the affair’s discovery. Her husband describes a woman who felt “black-sheeped” by an office that had once relied on her expertise, cut off from colleagues and career prospects while her marriage crumbled. The Bexar County Medical Examiner officially ruled her September death a suicide in November 2025, closing the medical investigation but opening profound questions about workplace power dynamics, mental health support, and accountability for elected officials.
What Comes Next
Barrera has indicated he may release additional text message evidence following further review, though no lawsuit has been filed as of late February 2026. Gonzales’ campaign has remained largely unresponsive to media requests for detailed comment beyond social media posts and brief statements blaming political opponents. Voters in the 23rd District face a decision complicated by explosive personal allegations against an incumbent who barely survived his last primary challenge. The Congressional Accountability Act provides a legal framework for Santos-Aviles’ family to pursue damages without a prolonged public trial if Gonzales were to settle, though his blackmail accusations suggest no settlement is forthcoming. Whether the electorate prioritizes Gonzales’ legislative record on border issues and his general election dominance, or judges him unfit based on allegations of exploiting a subordinate, will determine both his political future and whether this tragedy prompts broader scrutiny of congressional office workplace cultures.
