Former Aide's Affair with US Lawmaker Revealed Before Her Tragic Self-Immolation
A former aide to US Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas has been revealed to have acknowledged an affair with him in a text message months before she fatally set herself on fire. Regina Santos-Aviles, who served as regional director for Gonzales, wrote in an April 28, 2025 message to a colleague: “I had [an] affair with our boss and I’m fine,” according to a screenshot obtained by The Washington Post.
Political Fallout and Media Coverage
The message was first reported by the San Antonio Express-News, which later withdrew its endorsement of Gonzales in the March 3 GOP primary, stating the congressman “has questions to answer.” In a statement on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Gonzales declined to directly address the allegation, saying: “I’m not going to engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans.”
Gonzales added praise for Santos-Aviles, calling her “a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place,” and accused primary challenger Brandon Herrera of politicizing her death. In December 2025, former President Donald Trump endorsed Gonzales for a fourth term in the House of Representatives.
Tragic Death and Aftermath
On September 13, 2025, Santos-Aviles poured gasoline on herself and ignited it in the backyard of her home in Uvalde, Texas. She died the following day from her injuries at the age of 35. Santos-Aviles was a wife and mother of one, serving in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, which spans much of west Texas along the US-Mexico border.
A former colleague who shared the text message said the alleged relationship became known among staff during the 2024 election cycle. According to this account, Santos-Aviles became distraught after her husband, Adrian Aviles, discovered messages between her and the congressman and alerted other staffers.
Office Dynamics and Denials
The colleague told the Express-News that Santos-Aviles’ role in the office diminished afterward, noting she “went from the number one employee in the office to nothing.” Meetings she had arranged were reportedly canceled, and she no longer accompanied Gonzales on district visits.
Gonzales previously dismissed reports of an affair as politically motivated attacks, telling local station KSAT in November 2025: “In politics, you better have thick skin. I totally get that, but the rumors are completely untruthful.” Santos-Aviles’ mother also rejected claims of a relationship, telling The Post in October 2025 that the reports were “completely false.”
Legal and Privacy Concerns
In December 2025, the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton moved to seal 911 calls, police records, and related materials connected to Santos-Aviles’ death following media requests. An attorney for Adrian Aviles has stated the family had concerns about the release of private records related to the case, highlighting ongoing legal and ethical issues surrounding the tragedy.
