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U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales accused of affair with staffer who later died by suicide, claims blackmail attempt
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas has found himself at the center of controversy after claiming he is being “blackmailed” following allegations he had an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide.
The Republican congressman’s accusation came in response to a San Antonio Express-News report that obtained text messages in which the former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, allegedly wrote to a colleague about having an affair with Gonzales.
Santos-Aviles, 35, died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire in her backyard at her home in Uvalde. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled her death as a suicide by self-immolation.
On Thursday, an attorney for Adrian Aviles, Santos-Aviles’ husband, confirmed that Aviles had discovered the alleged affair prior to his wife’s death. The attorney, Robert Barrera, said his client wants the lawmaker to acknowledge the relationship.
Gonzales, who is married with six children and currently running for reelection in Texas’ March 3 primary, took to social media platform X to deny what he characterized as blackmail attempts. “I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED,” Gonzales wrote, posting a partial screenshot of an email from the husband’s attorney. “Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death.”
The email excerpt showed attorney Barrera discussing a possible lawsuit against the lawmaker and a potential settlement with a nondisclosure agreement, mentioning a maximum recoverable amount of $300,000.
Barrera strongly rejected the characterization of blackmail, calling it “a desperate attempt to make him look again like a political victim.” He explained that the email Gonzales shared was part of ongoing discussions between attorneys after Aviles decided to seek damages through a potential lawsuit under the Congressional Accountability Act.
The act provides legal protection for employees in the legislative branch against harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. According to Barrera, after the alleged affair was discovered, Gonzales retaliated against Santos-Aviles by “dramatically restricting her job duties and privileges and restricting her job advancement.”
“There’s nothing political here. There’s no demand for him to resign. That’s up to the voters of that district, whether they want a man like Tony Gonzales to lead them into the future,” Barrera stated in a phone interview.
Gonzales represents a district that stretches from San Antonio to El Paso along the U.S.-Mexico border, a politically significant region with ongoing border security concerns. The controversy comes at a critical time as Gonzales campaigns for reelection, having secured an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
The congressman faces a primary challenge from Brandon Herrera, who narrowly lost to Gonzales in 2024 and has now called for the incumbent to resign following these allegations. The situation adds another layer of complexity to an already competitive race in a district where border issues and conservative credentials are paramount to voters.
In his only public statement about Santos-Aviles, Gonzales told the Texas Tribune that she was “a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place.” He added that he would not “engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans.”
Neither Gonzales’s spokesperson nor his attorney immediately responded to requests for comment on the specific allegations about the affair or the claimed retaliation against Santos-Aviles in her workplace.
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about workplace relationships, power dynamics, and accountability in political offices. The Congressional Accountability Act was specifically designed to address such issues, providing legal recourse for congressional staff who face discrimination or retaliation.
As the March primary approaches, voters in Texas’ district will need to evaluate these allegations alongside Gonzales’s record on policy issues and representation of the border region.
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16 Comments
Tragic that a staffer’s death has become embroiled in such a politically charged controversy. I hope the investigation is thorough and fair, prioritizing the facts over partisan agendas.
Agreed. This is a sensitive human situation that deserves to be handled with care and discretion, not exploited for political gain.
These types of allegations are always troubling, regardless of political affiliation. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this case in a way that respects the privacy and dignity of all involved.
Tragic that personal matters have become so public. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this case in a way that balances the need for accountability with compassion for those affected.
Well said. These types of allegations require a delicate touch. The priority should be uncovering the truth, not scoring political points.
Allegations of this nature are always troubling, regardless of the political affiliations involved. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this case and provide some clarity, while respecting the privacy of those affected.
Agreed. It’s important to let the investigation run its course without rushing to judgment. The wellbeing of all parties should be the top concern here.
Tragic that a staffer’s death has become the focus of such a politically charged controversy. I hope the investigation is conducted with empathy and discretion, and that the truth emerges to provide some closure.
Well said. This is a sensitive human tragedy that shouldn’t be exploited for political gain. The priority should be finding the facts and honoring the memory of the deceased.
Tragic that a personal tragedy has become so politicized. I hope the authorities can get to the truth of this matter in a way that balances accountability with compassion and respect for those involved.
This is a sensitive and disturbing case. It’s important to handle it with care and respect for all involved. Blackmail is unacceptable, but the truth behind these allegations needs to be thoroughly investigated.
I agree, this case requires a delicate and impartial approach. Jumping to conclusions without all the facts could do more harm than good.
This is a complex situation that deserves a measured response. I’m curious to see what additional details emerge as the investigation progresses. Transparency and respect for the individuals involved will be crucial.
Blackmail is a serious allegation. I’ll be interested to see what evidence comes to light as this case unfolds. Maintaining objectivity and respecting the privacy of those involved will be crucial.
Blackmail is a serious accusation. I’ll be curious to see what additional details emerge as the investigation progresses. Transparency and impartiality will be key to ensuring a fair and thorough process.
Well said. These types of cases require a delicate touch, prioritizing the facts over partisan agendas. The wellbeing of all affected parties should be the top concern.