A shadow has fallen over the Texas 23rd district as allegations of misconduct and a tragic suicide have ignited a firestorm within the Republican party. Congressman Tony Gonzales, a married father of six, now faces calls for his resignation following the publication of deeply disturbing text messages.
The messages, revealed by the widower of a former aide, paint a troubling picture. Regina Santos-Aviles, who worked for Gonzales until her death in September 2025, reportedly exchanged explicit communications with the Congressman. Her death, ruled a suicide by the Bexar County Medical Examiner, has now become inextricably linked to these allegations.
Adrian Aviles, Santos-Aviles’ husband, asserts that Gonzales “abused his power” and sent messages “very sexual in nature.” He believes the Congressman should have maintained a higher standard of conduct, given his position of leadership. The texts themselves, published by the San Antonio Express-News, reveal requests for explicit photos and increasingly inappropriate advances.
One message from March 2024 allegedly shows Gonzales asking for “a sexy pic,” a request Santos-Aviles rebuffed. Other exchanges detail her expressing discomfort, stating he was “going too far.” The correspondence suggests a pattern of unwanted attention and a power imbalance that deeply troubled the young aide.
The fallout has been swift and public. Prominent Republican figures, including Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace, have demanded Gonzales’ resignation. Boebert’s message was stark: “RESIGN.” Mace echoed the sentiment, stating the allegations are “deeply disturbing” and require a response.
Gonzales has vehemently denied any affair, claiming he was the target of blackmail. He shared a screenshot of an email from the widow’s attorney, though the attorney has disputed the allegation. Prior to the release of the texts, Gonzales had publicly dismissed the rumors as “completely untruthful,” and claimed the family had requested privacy.
Adding another layer of complexity, Gonzales recently praised Santos-Aviles as a “kind soul” dedicated to improving her community. He highlighted her contributions to school safety, healthcare, and rural water initiatives, while simultaneously refusing to address the “personal smears.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, stating he had spoken with Gonzales and urged him to address the situation with his constituents. He cautioned against prejudgment, but admitted the unfolding events require careful consideration.
As Gonzales campaigns for a fourth term, with a primary election looming on March 3rd, the weight of these accusations threatens to derail his political future and casts a long shadow over the memory of Regina Santos-Aviles.
