A Texas GOP border-district race is being upended by credible reporting that a congressman’s alleged affair with a subordinate preceded a horrifying suicide—forcing Republicans to confront leadership standards inside their own ranks.
Story Snapshot
- Texts reported by multiple outlets show former aide Regina Santos-Aviles told a colleague she had an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales during the 2024 election cycle.
- Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2025 after setting herself on fire near her home in Uvalde; the medical examiner later ruled the death a suicide.
- The San Antonio Express-News withdrew its endorsement of Gonzales as early voting began for the March 3, 2026, primary.
- Gonzales has denied the affair at times and now calls the story a “personal smear,” while challenger Brandon Herrera and some Republicans demand accountability.
What the reporting says happened—and what’s confirmed
Reporting published Feb. 18, 2026, details an April 28, 2025, text in which Regina Santos-Aviles, then a regional director for Rep. Tony Gonzales, told a colleague she had an affair with “our boss.”
Multiple outlets describe the relationship as widely known among staff during the 2024 cycle. Santos-Aviles, 35, later died by suicide in mid-September 2025 after setting herself on fire in Uvalde, Texas; the medical examiner ruled the death a suicide in November.
Months before death by suicide, aide texted colleague she had an affair with her boss, Rep. Tony Gonzaleshttps://t.co/EINAq0sysQ
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) February 18, 2026
Some specifics remain disputed in the public record, including whether the death is dated Sept. 13 or Sept. 14, with accounts suggesting the incident occurred the night before authorities confirmed her death.
That uncertainty doesn’t change the core verified points cited across coverage: documented texts, corroboration by former staffers, and an official medical examiner ruling. The relationship’s precise timeline and the full scope of internal office awareness are described through sourcing rather than public disciplinary findings.
A workplace power imbalance Republicans can’t ignore
The central issue is not gossip—it is the workplace power dynamic alleged in the reporting. Gonzales was Santos-Aviles’ boss, and members of Congress control hiring, pay, access, and career advancement for staff.
Former staff describe a sharp change after Santos-Aviles’ husband discovered messages and the relationship became known: meetings were canceled, and she was no longer included in key district activities. A former staffer also said she “spiraled into depression,” underscoring how personal misconduct can become institutional harm.
None of the available reporting can prove a direct causal line from any alleged affair to Santos-Aviles’ suicide; that kind of claim would exceed what the sources establish. What the record does show is a documented admission of a relationship with a supervisor, followed by reported professional isolation and a later suicide confirmed by authorities.
For conservative voters who expect personal responsibility—especially from public servants—this is exactly why clear workplace standards and transparency matter, regardless of party label.
Political fallout hits as early voting begins in Texas’ 23rd
Gonzales represents Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, spanning Uvalde, parts of San Antonio, and a long stretch of the border—an area where voters care deeply about sovereignty, law enforcement support, and constitutional governance.
The timing is brutal: early voting began Feb. 18, 2026, the same day a major local outlet published new details and pulled its endorsement. Gonzales is seeking another term and faces challenger Brandon Herrera, who previously fell short by roughly 400 votes in a primary.
Herrera is using the reporting to argue Gonzales is unfit, calling the alleged behavior unacceptable for a sitting member of Congress. Republican state Rep. Wes Vidrell also publicly said that if the reporting is true—and appears credible—Gonzales should step down so the family can heal.
This is a reminder that “safe” Republican districts can still deliver accountability through primaries. In a Trump-era GOP focused on restoring competence and trust, character controversies can rapidly become governing liabilities.
Gonzales denies wrongdoing and frames it as a political smear
Gonzales has not addressed the allegations in a detailed, point-by-point way in the reporting referenced here. Instead, he has declined to engage, characterizing the story as “personal smears” and saying he remains focused on priorities such as helping President Trump secure the border and improve Texans’ lives.
His office also cast suspicion on a former staffer involved in bringing information forward, suggesting political motives; that claim is not shown as independently verified in the cited reporting.
For voters, the practical question is less about campaign spin and more about standards: should a member of Congress be expected to clearly rebut documented texts and consistent staff accounts, or accept responsibility if the story is accurate?
The available sources indicate multiple outlets reviewed the text message content and that staffers corroborated key elements, while Gonzales disputes the narrative. Until additional evidence is made public, readers should separate what is verified—texts and official rulings—from what remains contested.
Sources:
Texts show aide admitted to affair with lawmaker prior to death by suicide
Tony Gonzales faces questions after report about affair with staffer who died by suicide
MAGA Rep Tony Gonzales’s Alleged Affair With Staffer Before Her Shock Death Exposed
