Rep. Tony Gonzales Reportedly Being Investigated By Congressional Ethics Watchdog Over Alleged Affair With Aide Who Then Died By Suicide

Rep. Tony Gonzales has been under investigation since last year over an alleged affair with an aide who latter died by suicide, according to a new report.

Punchbowl news noted that the Office of Congressional Conduct has been looking into potential House rules violations related to the alleged affair between Gonzales and Regina Ann Santos-Aviles.

The outlet noted that even if Gonzales wins his primary on March 3 he could face an investigation by the House Ethics Committee depending on the conclusions reached by the Office of Congressional Conduct.

House Rule 23 prohibits members from any "sexual relationship" with employees under their supervision. The woman's ex husband, Adrian Aviles, said he discovered the alleged relationship in May 2024 when he saw his wife texting Gonzales and later found messages he described as "very sexual in nature."

He said the relationship had lasted two to three weeks at that point. Aviles said he later contacted Gonzales and members of his staff to say he knew about the relationship and intended to make it public, after which, he claimed, his wife was marginalized at work.

Authorities said Santos-Aviles poured gasoline on herself outside her home on September 13, 2025, and died the next day at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide, and police said surveillance video showed she was alone and that there was no evidence of foul play.

Aviles disputed that conclusion, saying, "I don't think that it was an intentional act. I think it was a cry for help that turned into a tragedy."

He gave an interview to the San Antonio Express-News this week to make public comments about the allegations for the first time since the incident.

"I said the truth would come to light when it's time, and the time is now," Aviles told the Texas-based outlet. "Tony abused his power. He should have held himself to a higher standard as a congressional leader." He added that he hopes Gonzales "will stand up and be accountable for his actions."

Gonzales, on his end, said Aviles is trying to blackmail him. He posted an image on social media showing a message from his attorney, Bobby Barrera. It claims that Aviles is seeking $300,000 for a non-disclosure agreement to refrain from filing a civil action that could damage his career.

"We definitely have limitation deadlines on our CAA so time is of the essence," reads a passage of the communication.

Gonzales slammed the message, saying he "will not be blackmailed." "Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death. The public should IMMEDIATELY have full access to the Uvalde Police report. I will keep fighting for" Texas' 23rd district, he added.

Barrera reacted, saying Gonzales "fails to comprehend that we really state: We don't want to go public" and "destroy his career." However, he added, they could release thousands of texts showing the nature of the relationship.

• Rep. Tony Gonzales Exchanged 'Sexual' Texts With Aide Who Committed Suicide After Alleged Affair
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