Several conservative House Republicans are demanding the immediate resignation of Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) following the release of damning leaked text messages. The scandal centers on a series of leaked communications between Gonzales and Regina Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old regional district director for his office. She died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire at her home; her death was ruled a suicide by the Bexar County medical examiner’s office. As The Gateway Pundit reported last year, Rep. Tony Gonzales, a married father of six, is accused of carrying on an extramarital affair with his senior aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who tragically died after dousing herself in gasoline and setting herself on fire.
35-year-old Aviles, a married mother of an eight-year-old son who was separated from her husband, Adrian Aviles, was often seen by Gonzales’s side. Such appearances included high-profile events, such as Elon Musk’s 2023 tour of the Mexico border in Eagle Pass. Gonzales discussed the rumored affair at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, telling a reporter there was no veracity to any affair while also denying knowledge of Aviles’ passing. “The rumors are completely untruthful. I am generally untrusting of these outlets,” Gonzales stated.
