Who is Tony Gonzales, and why did his aide set herself on fire?

Tony Gonzales is a Republican congressman from Texas' 23rd district, first elected to the US House in 2020. Gonzales, a retired US Navy veteran, serves on several committees and has been involved in issues ranging from border security to rural health care. He is married with six children and is running for re-election for a fourth term amid controversy. The controversy stems from the death of his former aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles. Santos-Aviles, 35, was Gonzales’ regional district director in Uvalde. In May 2024, Gonzales exchanged sexually suggestive text messages with her - including requests for intimate photos - despite House rules that bar legislators from engaging in sexual relationships with staff.

Adrian Aviles and Regina shared an eight-year-old son but separated in August 2024 - just months after the husband discovered sexual text messages between his wife and Gonzales in May 2024. In September 2025, she set herself on fire at her home and died of her injuries the following day; her death was ruled a suicide by self-immolation.

Newly surfaced text messages have reportedly renewed scrutiny of allegations involving a Texas congressman and his former regional district director. The messages, shared publicly by Santos-Aviles’ husband, Adrian, include late-night exchanges from May 2024 that critics say suggest inappropriate and sexually suggestive communication. According to the reports, Gonzales initiated conversations asking for intimate photos and posed personal, sexually charged questions.


In one exchange, Santos-Aviles pushed back, telling Gonzales the conversation had crossed a line and referring to him as her boss. Despite this, he continued messaging her, making comments that implied a personal interest beyond a professional relationship. In other texts, Gonzales asked explicit questions about sexual preferences, prompting Santos-Aviles to respond that the discussion had gone too far and to question whether he was sober at the time.

The messages were reportedly extracted from Santos-Aviles’ cellphone by a forensic team working on behalf of her husband. The disclosures have intensified scrutiny of Gonzales’ conduct and raised questions about professional boundaries between elected officials and their staff.

Her widower and others allege the affair and resulting personal and professional fallout contributed to her distress. Gonzales has denied the allegations and says he will not be 'blackmailed' but the situation has prompted a congressional ethics inquiry and political fallout.