New reporting from the San Antonio Express-News and other outlets alleges that Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) had a romantic relationship with a district aide who later died by suicide after setting herself on fire.
The reports focus on allegations that Gonzales had a romantic relationship with Regina Ann “Regi” Santos-Aviles, a member of his regional staff and mother of one, who died by suicide in September 2025. Gonzales flatly denies the claims.
The story is unfolding as early voting for the March 3, 2026, Republican primary is already underway, raising political questions as well as personal ones.
The Allegation
According to the Express-News, a screenshot of a text message sent by Santos-Aviles in April 2025 shows her telling a colleague that she “had [an] affair with our boss,” referring to Gonzales.
A former staffer told the paper that rumors of a relationship circulated within the office during the 2024 election cycle. Bobby Barrera, the attorney for Santos-Aviles’ husband, went further, saying the relationship “was not a secret among the staff.”
“It’s common knowledge,” Barrera told the newspaper, adding that staff members were clearly aware this was occurring.
Gonzales has called the allegations “completely untruthful.” He has previously asked the public and the media to respect the privacy of Santos-Aviles’ family.
Santos-Aviles’ mother has also publicly rejected the claim of an affair, saying she does not believe it has merit.
Changes Inside the Office
The report states that after her husband discovered her alleged relationship, Santos-Aviles’ role in Gonzales’ regional office was significantly reduced.
There has been no public confirmation from Gonzales’ office about any personnel changes related to the allegation. The congressman has not addressed the specifics of her employment status beyond denying the affair.
For now, much of the narrative relies on former staff accounts and the text message described in the Express-News report.
Her Death
On Sept. 13, 2025, Santos-Aviles, 35, set herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde, Texas.
Local police and reporting confirm that she doused herself with gasoline in her backyard and ignited the fire. Surveillance footage shows she was alone at the time. Authorities say there is no indication that anyone else was involved.
She was transported to a hospital but later died from her injuries. The Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide.
Law enforcement officials have stated there is no evidence of foul play.
Political Fallout
Nevertheless, the controversy has quickly shifted from private tragedy to public issue.
The Express-News has withdrawn its endorsement of Gonzales ahead of his imminent primary. Primary challengers have begun citing the allegations as they try to draw contrasts with the incumbent.
Gonzales, who represents a sprawling South Texas district that includes Uvalde, has faced tough primaries before. He has positioned himself as a pragmatic conservative willing to work across the aisle, a stance that has drawn criticism from some in his party.
Whether this latest controversy reshapes the race remains to be seen. For now, the congressman denies the core allegation, the family disputes it, and law enforcement has made clear that Santos-Aviles’ death was ruled a suicide with no evidence of outside involvement.
The political consequences may play out over the coming days, weeks, and months if Gonzales advances to the general election. The personal loss, however, is already permanent.
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