A new report from the San Antonio Express-News alleges that U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales had a romantic relationship with one of his senior district staffers, Regina Ann "Regi" Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in Uvalde last September — allegations the congressman has previously denied but which are now documented in text messages reviewed by the newspaper.
A former staffer in Gonzales' district office who worked closely with Santos-Aviles shared text messages seen by the Express-News in which she told him: "I had affair with our boss and I'm fine. You will be fine."
Santos-Aviles, 35, died in September after setting herself on fire at her Uvalde home. Officials on scene reported she had doused herself with gasoline. 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.
Bobby Barrera, an attorney for Santos-Aviles' husband, Adrian Aviles, told the Express-News that the alleged relationship "was not a secret among the staff." "It's common knowledge," Barrera said. "The staff was clearly aware this event was occurring." However, when asked whether the relationship had anything to do with Santos-Aviles' suicide, Barrera replied: "I don't think so."
The former staffer alleged that Santos-Aviles began to be frozen out of work after she texted others about the affair in May 2024, including no longer accompanying Gonzales on Uvalde visits and meetings she had arranged being canceled. "She talked about Tony every day," the former staffer said. "She went from the number one employee in the office to nothing."
The staffer said that Santos-Aviles started taking antidepressants in the summer of 2025. He also alleged that police were called to her home in August 2025 — about one month before her death — following an alleged suicide attempt, though the Express-News did not independently confirm that event.
Gonzales publicly denied the allegations in November at the Texas Tribune Festival, calling the rumors "completely untruthful" and saying he wanted people to remember Santos-Aviles for her community work. When KSAT Investigates pressed Gonzales about the allegations at a Veterans Day event — the only access reporters had been given since September — he deflected, saying the occasion was for veterans and declining to address the questions. His office did not respond to the Express-News' request for comment on the new report.
Gonzales is currently in a contested GOP primary race against gun rights activist Brandon Herrera, whose previous challenge in 2024 was also close. President Trump endorsed Gonzales for re-election in December.
The San Antonio Express-News editorial board announced it is withdrawing its endorsement of Gonzales. "The affair is troubling for many reasons," the board wrote. "First, it is an act of deception. Gonzales is married and has six children. Second, Gonzales had an affair with a staffer. This was not an equal relationship." The board added: "We see a disturbing lack of character from an elected official."
Uvalde Police and the Texas Rangers have been investigating Santos-Aviles' death. Authorities have said from the start 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 24/7.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube