Concerns Mount Over Alleged Gonzales Affair With Late Regional Director
'It’s a very tragic situation because, in my opinion, Tony took advantage of a young woman'
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Six individuals close to Regina Santos-Aviles’s family and Rep. Tony Gonzales’s office allege the Texas congressman was carrying on a romantic relationship with his regional director, who died after catching fire in her backyard on September 14, raising questions about alleged abuse of power, 24sight News has learned.
Gonzales, a married father of six, had allegedly been in an on-and-off affair with Santos-Aviles, 35 — who was first hired to serve in her position in 2021 — starting in the summer of 2023 at an event at Neal’s Lodges in Concan, Texas, a person in whom Santos-Aviles, a wife and mother, directly confided about her relationship with her boss confirmed.
“She said, ‘I need your advice — I’ve really screwed up,’” the individual told 24sight News. “It’s a very tragic situation because, in my opinion, Tony took advantage of a young woman without regard for the consequences.”
24sight News sent an email seeking comment to Gonzales’ communications director, but she did not respond. When 24sight News called the communications director, she requested that questions be sent by email and then hung up the phone. She did not respond to the email. Gonzales also did not respond to a text message seeking comment.
The alleged relationship would constitute a clear ethics violation, as members of Congress are explicitly prohibited from engaging in sexual relationships with their staff under House rules.
Multiple sources confirmed that Santos-Aviles’s husband discovered the alleged affair, which led to turbulence and a separation before the couple attempted to reconcile. According to those familiar with the matter, she later resumed communication with Gonzales. During the course of the alleged affair, Gonzales significantly increased her salary following the start of the relationship, sources noted. The Daily Mail first reported the allegation surrounding the relationship on Monday.
Santos-Aviles’s mother, Nora Gonzales, pushed back on The Daily Mail’s reporting.
“I don’t think it has any merit,” she told The New York Post, adding that she believes the accusations are “completely false.”
Uvalde police and the Texas Rangers are investigating the death. Authorities confirmed that Santos-Aviles poured gasoline on herself before catching fire and being rushed to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. However, individuals who knew her told 24sight News they speculate that she may not have been attempting to take her own life and instead may have been crying out for help.
“Today, our agency received preliminary findings from DPS personnel confirming that Regina Santos-Aviles was alone in her backyard when the fire began, which ultimately caused significant injuries and required her transport to the emergency room,” Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado said in a September statement.
Two individuals who spoke with 24sight News also noted that Gonzales did not attend her funeral on September 25 but instead appeared on The Guy Benson Show podcast that day to discuss political violence. He also did not mention her death in any of his office’s newsletters in the weeks following the tragedy.
“We are all heart-stricken by the recent news. Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community. She will always be remembered for her passion for Uvalde and for helping the community become a better place,” Gonzales said in a statement shortly after it was announced she had died.
The office has seen a high turnover rate in staff, with former employees describing it as a toxic work environment.
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