A new bombshell report alleges U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales engaged in a romantic relationship with a former staffer, surfacing fresh questions about the congressman as he seeks reelection in a contested Republican primary.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, a former Gonzales staffer alleges that the congressman engaged in a romantic relationship with Regina “Regi” Santos-Aviles, who served as Gonzales’ regional district director in Uvalde.
Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire outside her home, a death authorities ruled a suicide.
The Express-News reports that the former staffer provided a screenshot of a text message in which Santos-Aviles wrote that she had an affair with her boss. The newspaper says it verified the message originated from her phone number.
The former employee told the paper that Santos-Aviles struggled emotionally after her husband learned of the alleged relationship and that Gonzales cut off contact. However, the husband’s attorney told the Express-News he does not believe the alleged affair caused her death.
After rumors of the situation were reported by the Daily Mail and Current Revolt last year, Gonzales denied them, calling them “completely untruthful” during a public appearance.
Texas Scorecard reached out to Gonzales for comment but has not received a response.
The allegations emerge as Gonzales faces multiple challengers in the Republican primary for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, including Brandon Herrera and former Congressman Francisco “Quico” Canseco.
Gonzales narrowly defeated Herrera in a runoff election in 2024 and currently has the endorsement of President Donald Trump. Following the report, Herrera has called on Gonzales to resign.
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