Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales Faces Allegations Amid Controversial Text Messages
Revelations from Text Messages
Recent text messages obtained by a local news outlet have shed light on a series of late-night conversations between Congressman Tony Gonzales from Texas and his former regional district director, Regina Santos-Aviles. These messages, which were made public by Santos-Aviles’ husband, Adrian Aviles, have raised significant questions regarding their purported relationship. The exchanges, dated May 2024, include Gonzales requesting explicit images and posing sexual inquiries. In one instance, he asked for a “sexy pic” shortly after midnight. When Santos-Aviles expressed discomfort, stating, “This is going too far boss,” Gonzales persisted, claiming, “I’m just such a visual person.” He further probed her preferences, asking, “What do you like, Anal?” and inquiring about her “Favorite position.” Santos-Aviles responded, “This is too far, Tony,” and questioned his sobriety. These messages have been verified by the news outlet and were retrieved from her phone by a forensic team working with her husband.
Ethical Concerns and Political Implications
Ethics Questions And Political Fallout
The emergence of these messages follows months of speculation regarding a possible affair between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles, which would breach US House ethics regulations that prohibit sexual relationships between Congress members and their staff. In June 2024, Adrian Aviles informed Gonzales’ staff via a group message about his impending divorce, citing the discovery of text messages and images indicating an affair with Gonzales. The Office of Congressional Conduct had previously initiated an investigation into the relationship. Sources familiar with the inquiry indicated that it has concluded, but the findings cannot be forwarded to the House Ethics Committee within 60 days of an election involving the investigated member. Gonzales is preparing for a closely monitored Republican primary on March 3 in Texas’s 23rd Congressional District.
Previously, Gonzales denied the affair during a public appearance but has since refrained from making direct denials, labeling the allegations as politically motivated. He also accused Adrian Aviles of attempting to blackmail him in a post on social media. Aviles and his attorney are contemplating legal action for workplace or sexual harassment under the Congressional Accountability Act, along with potential libel claims. They reportedly sought a settlement of $300,000 for alleged harassment and retaliation.
Tragically, Santos-Aviles passed away in September 2025 after a self-immolation incident in her backyard, which the Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled as suicide. First responders noted that surveillance footage indicated she was alone at the time. Aviles has expressed that he initially chose to remain silent for the sake of their young son but became increasingly frustrated with Gonzales’ ongoing denials. “His constant denials are what finally spurred Adrian to say, ‘I am tired of Tony calling my wife a liar, calling me a liar, calling his staffer a liar, when the only liar around is Tony Gonzales,’” stated Barrera, Aviles’ attorney.