Congressman Tony Gonzales Refuses to Resign Despite Affair Allegations with Late Aide Regina Aviles

Congressman Tony Gonzales, a married father of six, has refused to resign despite allegations of an affair with a former aide who later died by suicide. The Texas Republican has remained defiant, insisting that the full truth will emerge and that he will continue serving his constituents. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from fellow members of Congress, some of whom argue that Gonzales should step aside. The controversy centers on sexually explicit texts allegedly exchanged between Gonzales and Regina Aviles, who was his regional district director in Uvalde. Aviles died in September 2023 after setting herself on fire in her backyard, an act that investigators later ruled a suicide.

The Daily Mail first exposed the alleged affair in October 2023, shortly after Aviles's death. At the time, Gonzales did not deny the relationship but later claimed it was untrue. However, new texts obtained by the publication show Gonzales pressuring Aviles for explicit photos and discussing sexual preferences. In one message, he wrote, 'Send me a sexy pic,' to which Aviles replied that she was having a rough week and 'you don't really want a hot picture of me.' Gonzales persisted, asking for photos and inquiring about her favorite sex positions.

Aviles, a married mother of one, worked for Gonzales since 2021. She reportedly confided in a friend about the affair, saying, 'I had [an] affair with our boss and I'm fine.' Her friend, who shared this conversation with the Daily Mail, described Aviles as 'hysterically crying' during the exchange. The aide allegedly admitted to having an affair with her boss and expressed fear that her husband, Adrian, would discover the relationship. Adrian Aviles reportedly found out in July 2023 and sent a group message to Gonzales's staff, revealing his knowledge.

Following the affair's exposure, Aviles's husband moved out of their home with their eight-year-old son. She reportedly fell into a deep depression and attempted suicide months before her death. Her friend claimed that Aviles continued to text Gonzales, who allegedly ignored her messages. The aide's mental health deteriorated rapidly, culminating in her death by self-immolation. An autopsy revealed she was intoxicated at the time of her death.

Gonzales faces a contentious primary race in Texas, with YouTuber Brandon Herrera challenging him for the March 2026 election. Early voting for the Republican primary began in February, adding pressure to the already embattled congressman. Several GOP leaders, including Representatives Chip Roy, Lauren Boebert, and Nancy Mace, have called for Gonzales to step down. Mace even introduced a resolution urging the House Ethics Committee to release all investigations into members accused of inappropriate relationships with staff.

House GOP chairman Lisa McClain expressed outrage over the texts but emphasized her belief in the rule of law, stating, 'If it's true, it's extremely disgusting.' Meanwhile, Gonzales continues to campaign as a family man, showcasing photos of his wife and children. However, the scandal has cast a shadow over his re-election bid, with critics arguing that his actions may have contributed to Aviles's death. A former staffer who spoke to the Daily Mail described Gonzales as unfit for public service, stating, 'The right thing is always the truth, no matter how ugly it is.'

The incident has sparked broader discussions about workplace conduct and the consequences of power imbalances in government. As the primary race intensifies, voters in Texas now face a difficult choice: whether to hold Gonzales accountable for his alleged misconduct or support him based on his legislative record. The outcome could have lasting implications for the Republican Party and the broader political landscape in the state.