TX Congressman Rocked by Alleged Affair and Tragic Death
x*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 reports that he allegedly 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 unusual secrecy surrounding the investigation, has sparked public concern and political debate.
A Tragic Incident in Uvalde
Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, was discovered engulfed in flames in her backyard in Uvalde, a community still grappling with the aftermath of the 2022 school shooting. She was airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio, but succumbed to her injuries the next day. While the official cause of death remains pending autopsy results, authorities have indicated that self-immolation is the leading theory. Surveillance cameras reportedly captured the incident, but law enforcement has withheld the video and other related evidence from the public.
The Uvalde Police Department has taken the rare step of blocking release of public records tied to the case, including the 911 call, police reports, and video footage. Investigators petitioned the Texas Attorney General to keep these files sealed, a move that has drawn criticism for its unusual nature in an active investigation and raised questions about transparency.
Alleged Affair and Political Reactions
Multiple anonymous sources have reported that Santos-Aviles and Congressman Gonzales were involved in a romantic relationship that began after she joined his staff in late 2021. 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.
Gonzales, who is 48 years old in 2025, has not confirmed or denied the affair. His spokesman declined to comment directly on the relationship but described Santos-Aviles as a "kind soul who had a lasting impact on her community" and condemned attempts to politicize her death, as reported by Breitbart.
Santos-Aviles's mother, Nora Gonzales, told the San Antonio Express-News that her daughter's last words were "I don't want to die," as reported by Chron. However, the timing of this statement remains unclear, and it is not specified when this conversation took place.
Sealed Records and Public Concern
The decision to withhold key investigation materials has raised eyebrows among local officials and residents. Ernest Santos, a member of the Uvalde City Council, publicly expressed concern about the impartiality of the investigation, especially after Police Chief Homer Delgado was seen endorsing Gonzales during the election campaign. 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 stated that Gonzales had used his name without authorization, and the congressman's team removed the endorsement from campaign social media pages quietly following the controversy.
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, Gonzales is considered a moderate who received an endorsement from Donald Trump during his initial campaign. He has been active on border issues and was seen hosting Elon Musk during a 2023 tour of the US-Mexico border, where Santos-Aviles was frequently at his side.
Gonzales is married and has six children. He 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 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.
Surveillance cameras installed by Adrian Aviles at the home reportedly captured the self-immolation incident. The footage has been turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab for review, but it remains sealed from public view.
Remembering Regina Santos-Aviles
Santos-Aviles was described in her obituary as a devoted mother, loving daughter, sister, wife, and loyal friend. Though separated from her husband, she shared custody of their eight-year-old son. Her family and colleagues remember her for her dedication to the community and her professional role as the regional district director for Congressman Gonzales.
The tragic death of a young woman who served her community, combined with the political controversy and secrecy surrounding the case, has made this story a focal point of public attention. As the investigation continues, many await further clarity on the circumstances of Regina Santos-Aviles's death and the full extent of Congressman Tony Gonzales's involvement.
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
