TX Congressman Rocked by Alleged Affair and Tragic Death
Official Portrait of Representative-elect, Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23). Photo courtesy of the US House of Representatives/House Creative Services. Public domain.
Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales finds himself under intense scrutiny following unverified allegations that he had an affair with his senior aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who died after setting herself on fire at her home in Uvalde, Texas. The tragic incident, combined with the limited public release of investigative materials, has sparked public concern and political debate.
A Tragic Incident in Uvalde
Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, was discovered engulfed in flames in the backyard of her Uvalde home in mid-September 2025. She was airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio and succumbed to her injuries the following day. While the official cause and manner of death are still pending autopsy and investigation, preliminary information from law enforcement suggests that self-immolation is the leading theory. Surveillance cameras reportedly captured the incident, and the footage was turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety for review, though it has not been publicly released.
Some case materials, including the 911 call and internal police reports, have not been publicly released. It is unclear whether a formal petition to seal the records has been submitted to the Texas Attorney General. This lack of transparency has fueled public frustration and speculation.
Alleged Affair and Political Reactions
Multiple reports allege that Santos-Aviles and Congressman Gonzales were involved in a romantic relationship that began after she joined his staff in late 2021, according to Breitbart. The relationship allegedly continued for some time despite Gonzales being married and Santos-Aviles separated from her husband, Adrian Aviles, who was reportedly aware of the affair. These claims have not been independently verified.
Gonzales has not directly addressed the affair allegations. According to Breitbart, a spokesman declined to comment on the relationship but said:
"Regina Aviles was a kind soul who had a lasting impact on her community, which she continued to serve until her untimely death. To see political bottom feeders distort the circumstances around her passing is truly sickening. Tony Gonzales remains laser-focused on delivering historic achievements for Texas and condemns any attempts to misuse this tragedy.
Santos-Aviles's family reportedly insists her death was accidental. Her mother, Nora Gonzalez, arrived at the scene to find her daughter badly burned but still conscious, telling San Antonio Express-News, "The last thing she said is, 'I don't want to die ... And they told her, 'We will do our best to make sure we get you taken care of.'"
Her family has publicly denied any romantic involvement between Santos-Aviles and Congressman Gonzales. In an interview with the New York Post, Nora called the claims "completely false," adding, "I don’t think it has any merit," as reported by The Independent.
Sealed Records and Public Concern
The limited release of case information has raised eyebrows among local officials and residents. Ernest Santos, a member of the Uvalde City Council, expressed concern about the impartiality of the investigation. His remarks followed reports that Police Chief Homer Delgado's name appeared in support of Gonzales during the campaign. According to the Augusta Free Press, Santos emphasized the importance of neutrality in law enforcement and questioned the timing and nature of the endorsement amid the ongoing investigation.
Chief Delgado later reportedly stated that his name had been used without permission, and the endorsement was subsequently removed from campaign materials. However, these claims have not been independently confirmed by major outlets.
Profile of the Congressman
Tony Gonzales represents a large district stretching from San Antonio to El Paso, including Uvalde. A Republican in his third term, he has positioned himself as a moderate with an interest in border security. Gonzales is married and has six children
He reportedly hosted Elon Musk for a tour of the U.S.-Mexico border in 2023, where Santos-Aviles was present in her official capacity as regional district director.
According to Breitbart, several sources confirmed Gonzales did not attend Santos-Aviles's funeral, which was held on September 25, 2025.
Ongoing Investigation
The Texas Rangers and Uvalde Police Department continue to investigate the circumstances of Santos-Aviles's death. To date, no evidence has emerged suggesting foul play or involvement of others. Authorities maintain that the investigation is active, and no conclusions have been reached.
Remembering Regina Santos-Aviles
Santos-Aviles was described in her obituary as a "devoted mother, a loving daughter, sister, and wife, and a loyal friend whose presence will be deeply missed." Her family and colleagues remember her for her dedication to the community.
The tragic death of a young woman who served her community, combined with the political controversy surrounding the case, has made this story a focal point of public attention. As the investigation continues, many await further clarity from the ongoing investigation.
References: Married Congressman had alleged affair with aide... before she set herself on fire: Bombshell revelation as police block release of 911 call and other evidence | Texas congressman's staffer died amid alleged affair with lawmaker | Report: Aide who died in fire having an affair with congressman | Report: Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales Had Affair with Senior Aide Who Set Herself on Fire | Congressional Staffer Who Died After Catching Fire Was Alone in Her Backyard When the Blaze Began, Police Say | Family of Texas congressional aide who lit herself on fire speaks out after claims of an affair with Republican | Regina Ann "Regi" Aviles
