GOP Rep. Confesses to Affair With Ex-Aide Who Burned Herself to Death

Republican Rep. for Texas, Tony Gonzales, in a recent interview, has admitted to having an affair with a former staff member, who later took her own life. This is the first time Gonzales has publicly acknowledged the relationship since the scandal surrounding the death of the former aide.

In an exclusive interview on "The Joe Pags Show," Tony Gonzales admitted to having an "extramarital affair" a day after the Republican House primary elections on March 3. "I made a mistake," Gonzales said in the interview that aired on March 4.

Gonzales appeared on the Joe Pags Show and was asked whether he had a relationship with the aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide by setting herself on fire. Gonzales replied, "I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions."

Gonzales said he has since reconciled with his wife following the May 2024 affair with his former staff member, Regina, who was also married at the time. "I have asked G-- to forgive me, which he has," Gonzales added. "When you make mistakes like this, it's never easy; it humbles you," Gonzales said.

Gonzales' statement comes as the House of Ethics Committee considers investigating claims that Gonzales "engaged in s------ misconduct" with a staffer and "discriminated unfairly," by "dispensing special favor or privileges."

Leaked text messages between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles surfaced earlier in February, showing the congressman asked his staffer for "a-- pic." Other texts between Santos-Aviles and a former colleague, reported by The New York Post, showed her discussing the "affair."

The controversy surfaced after Regina Ann Santos-Aviles died by setting herself on fire in September 2025, according to the Uvalde law enforcement officials. Local law enforcement reported the incident and conducted an investigation. As of now, Gonzales has not been publicly accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to the death of Santos-Avilles.

Santos-Aviles' estranged husband, Adrian Alvies, claimed Gonzales "abused his power" by engaging in a relationship with his subordinate. Text messages released through Alvie's lawyers showed Gonzales sending his aide lewd messages for over a year. Alvie demanded that Gonzales be held accountable for his actions.

Gonzales has denied any involvement in Santos-Alvie's death. He also said the situation became more complicated in the months following the death of Santos-Alvie, claiming someone attempted to obtain money from him. Gonzales said the request came through an attorney representing an individual involved in the case.

The possibility of Gonzales's affair with a former aide has sparked a political storm. Several fellow House Republicans have called for him to resign over the controversy. The incident has also prompted broader conversations about workplace conduct in congressional offices.