U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales appeared to be in a romantic relationship with an aide who fatally set herself on fire last year, according to the San Antonio Express-News, which reported receiving a screenshot of a text message confirming the affair, shared by a former staffer.
Gonzales, who represents Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, which includes part of El Paso, reportedly worked closely with aide Regina Santos-Aviles, who died after catching on fire at her Uvalde home in September 2025. The former staffer, who chose to remain anonymous, said that Santos-Aviles had “spiraled into a depression” after her husband discovered the relationship and “Gonzales abruptly cut her off,” according to the Express-News.
The former staffer shared a screenshot with the Express-News of a text message from Santos-Aviles in which she acknowledged having an “affair with our boss.”
The revelation comes as Gonzales, a Republican, is currently seeking reelection in his district in the upcoming primary election. The former staffer told the Express-News that he had not been paid or promised any compensation by any of Gonzales’ opponents in the primary.
Gonzales has not responded to the report.
Santos-Aviles, 35, reportedly died by suicide on Sept. 14, 2025. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause and manner of death for Santos-Aviles as self-immolation, KSAT Investigates reported in November 2025.
Merriam-Webster defines self-immolation as a deliberate and willing sacrifice of oneself, often by fire, KSAT noted.
Santos-Aviles was alone in her backyard when she caught on fire, the Uvalde Police Department previously confirmed to KSAT Investigates.
She was the mother to an eight-year-old son.
President Donald Trump had endorsed Gonzales in December 2025. The president issued a “complete and total endorsement” on Truth Social. He called him a terrific representative.
“Tony Gonzales has my complete and total endorsement for reelection — he will not let you down,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account in December.
Gonzales is a veteran with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He is facing opposition in the March 3 GOP Texas primary.
Far-right political activist Laura Loomer posted about the upcoming ‘devastating report’ regarding Gonzales on X on Feb. 15.
“Source tells me there are allegedly text messages and Ring Camera footage that will put this question to rest once and for all,” Loomer wrote.
Loomer also shared a New York Post story early Wednesday morning. “Told you this was coming,” she said.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at [email protected], @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.

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