Newly released text messages show that Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas repeatedly pressured a female staffer for sexually suggestive contact and explicit photos, even after she told him his messages went “too far,” according to copies of the exchanges obtained by multiple news outlets.
The messages, sent on May 9, 2024, were shared publicly by Adrian Aviles, the widower of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who served as Gonzales’ regional district director. In the texts, Gonzales sent late-night messages asking the married mother, who was also pursuing her own life outside of work, to “send me a sexy pic” and pressed her about her sexual preferences despite her repeated objections.
Santos-Aviles responded to Gonzales’ overtures by warning him that he was going “too far,” but the congressman — a married father of six — continued to pursue a personal relationship, including arranging private meetings, the texts show. At times, he described sexual scenarios and asked her about her favorite positions. (RELATED: Alleged Affair Involving Rep. Tony Gonzales Surfaces After Aide’s Death)
Santos-Aviles later died by suicide after setting herself on fire in September 2025, an event her widower and others have attributed, in part, to the emotional distress surrounding the affair and its aftermath. Aviles released the May 2024 messages to counter Gonzales’ claims that the accusations against him were part of a “blackmail” attempt tied to his 2026 reelection campaign.
The revelations come amid an ongoing Republican primary in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, where Gonzales faces a challenge from Brandon Herrera, who has called on Gonzales to resign in light of the messages. The affair and its fallout have drawn public criticism and intensified scrutiny of Gonzales’ conduct and adherence to House ethics rules governing relationships between members and staff.
Gonzales has denied the existence of a romantic relationship as alleged and attributed the attacks to coordinated political opposition, but the released texts have fueled debate among voters and within the GOP as early voting continues ahead of the March 3 primary election. (RELATED: Texas Senate Candidate Files Police Report Against Rival Campaign Staffer)
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What, another randy pervert politician? Hard to believe.