Trump Under Pressure to Rescind Endorsement of Texas Congressman in Suicide Scandal
President Donald Trump is confronting escalating demands to retract his endorsement of a Republican congressman embroiled in a devastating scandal involving an alleged affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. Texas Representative Tony Gonzales, 45, faces accusations of conducting a secret relationship with married aide Regina Aviles, 35, which culminated in her tragic death in September 2025.
Alleged Affair and Tragic Death
According to a friend of Aviles who spoke to the Daily Mail, Gonzales traveled twice in May 2024 to a remote cabin in Concan, Texas, where he engaged in sexual encounters with his staffer. Aviles, a member of the congressman's Uvalde-based team, died on September 13, 2025, after dousing herself with gasoline and setting herself alight in her backyard. The night of her death, she reportedly informed a friend she was considering self-harm and filmed the incident.
When the Daily Mail initially reported the alleged affair in October, Gonzales did not deny the claims. However, under increasing scrutiny a month later in November, he issued a denial. The controversy intensified when Trump, in December, provided Gonzales with a glowing endorsement, describing him as a 'terrific' representative despite the media reports.
Political Backlash and Calls for Resignation
Brandon Herrera, a GOP congressional candidate challenging Gonzales, condemned the behaviour as 'completely unacceptable for anyone, let alone a sitting member of Congress' and demanded his resignation. Conservative talk show host Erick Erickson echoed this sentiment, stating Gonzales should step aside due to the affair with a woman who later died by self-immolation.
Right-wing activist Kyle Rittenhouse, known for fatally shooting two protesters during 2020 Wisconsin riots, applied direct pressure on the White House by questioning who advised Trump to endorse an 'ANTI-MAGA, AMERICA LAST candidate'.
Denials, Allegations, and Legal Threats
Gonzales has asserted he will not engage with 'personal smears' and remains focused on supporting Trump's border policies and aiding Texans. However, Adrian Aviles, Regina's husband, contradicted this, telling the Daily Mail the affair is '100 percent true' and alleging his wife was coerced into the relationship. He claims she consulted lawyers about a potential sexual harassment lawsuit.
In a dramatic response on Thursday, Gonzales posted on X what appears to be a screenshot from Adrian Aviles' lawyer, Robert Barrera, proposing a cash settlement and referencing a 'maximum recoverable' of $300,000. Gonzales declared, 'I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED,' accusing others of profiting from the tragedy and demanding full public access to the Uvalde Police report.
Evidence and Political Implications
Adrian's lawyers claim Regina's cell phone contains 35,000 text messages between her and Gonzales, though it is unclear how many pertain to work. The scandal poses a significant threat to Republican control of the House of Representatives, given their narrow 218-214 majority. If Gonzales retires early, the GOP's already slim majority would shrink further, complicating legislative efforts.
The Republican primary in Texas's 23rd congressional district is set for March 3, with a potential runoff on May 26 if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote. Surprisingly, Democratic lawmakers have not yet leveraged the scandal against Gonzales. Neither the White House nor Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson responded to requests for comment on whether Gonzales should resign or lose Trump's endorsement.
Regina Aviles is survived by her husband and their eight-year-old son, remembered in her obituary as a devoted mother, loving family member, and loyal friend.
