Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales Admits Relationship With Former Staffer Amid Ethics Probe

Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales publicly acknowledged for the first time that he had a relationship with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide in September 2025. Speaking Wednesday on a radio program hosted by Joe Pags, Gonzales admitted to a “lapse in judgment,” saying he has since reconciled with his wife and sought forgiveness through faith. Text messages obtained by CBS News reportedly show Gonzales sending explicit requests to Santos-Aviles in 2024. Santos-Aviles, who had previously told a colleague she had an affair with her boss, died after setting herself on fire, with authorities ruling the death a suicide. Gonzales stated he had “absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing.”

The admission comes as the U.S. House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct with an employee or provided unfair workplace privileges. House rules prohibit lawmakers from having sexual relationships with staff members under their supervision and ban unwelcome sexual advances in the workplace. Gonzales said he would allow the investigation to proceed and insisted there is “a whole lot more to the story,” while denying that Santos-Aviles received any special treatment in his office.

The controversy has intensified during Gonzales’ reelection campaign, as he faces a primary runoff against challenger Brandon Herrera in his Texas district. Herrera criticized Gonzales on social media, accusing him of previously denying the affair before now admitting it. Gonzales, meanwhile, suggested the scandal is politically motivated, claiming the allegations are “about power and money.” The congressman has also accused Santos-Aviles’ husband, Adrian Aviles, of attempting to extort him, a claim denied by the husband’s attorney. Santos-Aviles and her husband shared an 8-year-old son.

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