Aide's Tragic Suicide After Alleging Affair with US Congressman
In a deeply distressing case that has shocked the political community, a former aide to a Republican congressman claimed to have had an affair with him months before her tragic death by suicide. Regina Santos-Aviles, aged 35 and a mother of one, died in September last year after setting herself on fire in the back garden of her home in Uvalde, Texas.
Allegations of an Affair Emerge
According to reports, Santos-Aviles appeared to allege the affair in a text message sent to a colleague on April 28, 2025. In the message, she stated, "I had [an] affair with our boss and I'm fine." This confession occurred ahead of a March Republican primary last year, adding a political dimension to the personal tragedy.
Santos-Aviles worked as a regional director for Congressman Tony Gonzales in Texas' 23rd Congressional District, an area that covers the state's western border with Mexico. Her former colleague indicated that the alleged affair became known among Gonzales' staff during the 2024 election cycle, with Santos-Aviles reportedly talking about Tony every day.
Congressman's Firm Denial
Congressman Gonzales has strongly and repeatedly denied these claims. In statements to the media, he described the allegations as "completely untruthful" and dismissed them as "people throwing rocks at me, saying I'm doing nasty things." Speaking to The New York Post, Gonzales emphasized his focus on policy, saying, "I'm not going to engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans."
He also paid tribute to Santos-Aviles, calling her "a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place," and highlighted her efforts in improving school safety, healthcare, and rural water access. Gonzales accused his Republican rival, Brandon Herrera, of using the tragedy for political gain, noting the timing coincided with the start of early voting.
Family and Legal Responses
Santos-Aviles' mother has also refuted the affair claims, stating in October that reports of her daughter's involvement with Gonzales following her split from her husband were "completely false" and lacked merit. Meanwhile, legal aspects have surfaced, with Javier Guerra, an ex-lawyer for Adrian Aviles (Santos-Aviles' husband), expressing concern about the release of her records.
In December, the Texas Attorney General's office, under Ken Paxton, announced it would seal sensitive materials related to the case, including 911 calls, police reports, and video footage of Santos-Aviles' final moments, citing privacy and sensitivity concerns.
Broader Implications and Support
This incident underscores the intense pressures and personal toll that can accompany political work, raising questions about mental health support in high-stakes environments. The tragedy has sparked discussions on how such allegations are handled in the public sphere, balancing transparency with respect for the deceased and their families.
For those affected by similar issues, emotional support is available through organizations like the Samaritans, which offers a 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email support at jo@samaritans.org, in-person branch visits, and online resources. The case remains a poignant reminder of the human stories behind political headlines.
