TEXAS REPUBLICAN DENIES RELATIONSHIP WITH STAFFER WHO DIED BY SUICIDE. (PHOTO).

Texas Republican denies relationship with staffer who died by suicide

Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales is pushing back against allegations that he had an extramarital relationship with a congressional aide who died by suicide last fall, while urging the Uvalde Police Department to release its investigative report despite objections from the woman’s family. Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, who served as Gonzales’ regional district director, died on Sept. 14 after authorities determined she set herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde, Texas. The controversy intensified after reporting surfaced alleging that Santos-Aviles had claimed in text messages that she was involved in an affair with the congressman. Gonzales has repeatedly denied any such relationship.

In public statements, Gonzales praised Santos-Aviles as a dedicated public servant who worked to improve school safety, health care access, and rural water infrastructure in the region. He accused his Republican primary challenger, Brandon Herrera, of promoting the allegations for political gain, noting that the claims emerged as early voting began. Gonzales, who narrowly defeated Herrera by fewer than 400 votes in 2024, is again facing him in a competitive primary contest. Herrera has called on Gonzales to resign. Meanwhile, the Texas Attorney General’s Office ruled that 911 recordings, video footage, and police reports connected to Santos-Aviles’ death must remain sealed, though Gonzales has publicly demanded that the police report be released in full.

The dispute escalated when Gonzales suggested on social media that an attorney representing Santos-Aviles’ widower, Adrian Aviles, was seeking an out-of-court financial settlement, characterizing it as “blackmail.” Adrian Aviles forcefully denied that claim, stating his family’s decision to oppose the release of the full report and body camera footage was solely to protect their 8-year-old son from graphic details of his mother’s death. He accused Gonzales of evading responsibility and misleading constituents, saying the decision to keep the records sealed was about shielding their child from traumatic material, not concealing wrongdoing.

Robert Barrera, an attorney for the widower, said he possesses what he described as substantial evidence from Santos-Aviles’ phone that he claims supports allegations of an affair. He asserted that Gonzales rejected any potential settlement and is now portraying himself as a victim. Gonzales, 44, who is married and has six children, has maintained his denial of the allegations and said he remains focused on his legislative priorities, including supporting President Donald Trump’s border policies. He has secured Trump’s endorsement for reelection along with backing from several Texas law enforcement organizations as the primary race unfolds.