A new report from the San Antonio Express-News alleges that U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales had a romantic relationship with a senior district staff member who died by suicide last year, citing text messages reviewed by the newspaper that Gonzales has previously denied.
The staffer, Regina Ann “Regi” Santos-Aviles, 35, died in September after setting herself on fire at her home in Uvalde. Authorities said she had doused herself with gasoline before the incident. She was transported to a hospital with severe burns but did not survive. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a suicide.
According to the Express-News, a former district office employee who worked closely with Santos-Aviles provided text messages in which she allegedly told him: “I had affair with our boss and I’m fine. You will be fine.”
An attorney representing Santos-Aviles’ husband, Adrian Aviles, told the newspaper that the alleged relationship was widely known among staff members. “It’s common knowledge,” attorney Bobby Barrera said, adding that he did not believe the relationship was connected to her death.
The former staffer also alleged that Santos-Aviles experienced professional setbacks after she shared information about the alleged relationship with others in May 2024, including being excluded from meetings and travel she previously handled. He further claimed she began taking antidepressants in 2025 and that police were called to her home about a month before her death following an alleged suicide attempt, though the Express-News reported it could not independently confirm that incident.
Gonzales publicly denied the allegations in November during the Texas Tribune Festival, calling rumors of a relationship “completely untruthful” and urging people to remember Santos-Aviles for her work in the community. When asked about the claims again at a Veterans Day event by KSAT reporters, Gonzales declined to address the questions. His congressional office did not respond to the Express-News’ latest request for comment.
The allegations surface as Gonzales faces a contested Republican primary challenge from gun rights activist Brandon Herrera. President Donald Trump endorsed Gonzales for reelection in December.
Following publication of the report, the Express-News editorial board announced it was withdrawing its endorsement of Gonzales, writing that the alleged relationship raised concerns about judgment and ethics, particularly given the power imbalance between a member of Congress and a staffer.
Uvalde police and the Texas Rangers have investigated Santos-Aviles’ death since September. Authorities have consistently said there were no indications of foul play.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
