Rep. Gonzales faces congressional ethics investigation over alleged relationship with aide who died by suicide
By TPR Staff
February 20, 2026 at 4:28 PM CST
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San Antonio Congressman Tony Gonzales is facing a congressional ethics investigation over allegations he had a sexual relationship with a staff member who later died by suicide.
House rules prohibit members of Congress from engaging in sexual relationships with staffers, a policy adopted in 2018 following the #MeToo movement.
The Office of Congressional Conduct conducted an ethics investigation into allegations involving Gonzales and his former Uvalde regional district director, Regina Santos-Aviles. The investigation was first reported by Punchbowl News.
Santos-Aviles died last September after setting herself on fire. The Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide.
Gonzales has denied having a sexual relationship with Santos-Aviles and has rejected the allegations. In a post on social media, Gonzales said he would not be “blackmailed” and described the claims as politically and financially motivated.
Santos-Aviles’ husband, Adrian Aviles, publicly disputed Gonzales’ characterization of the situation. In a post on social media, he said, “We have never blackmailed anyone,” and accused the congressman of refusing to take accountability.
https://x.com/Adrianaviles830/status/2024530266480345234?s=20
The initial ethics investigation has been completed but cannot advance to a full House Ethics Committee investigation during an election period under House rules.
The allegations have drawn political scrutiny as Gonzales seeks reelection in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonio to El Paso, in the March 3 Texas primaries.
His Republican primary challenger, Brandon Herrera, has called on Gonzales to resign. Texas State Rep. Wes Virdell has also said Gonzales should step down if the allegations are confirmed.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report characterizes the district as competitive but leaning Republican.
Early voting is already underway.
San Antonio Congressman Tony Gonzales is facing a congressional ethics investigation over allegations he had a sexual relationship with a staff member who later died by suicide.
House rules prohibit members of Congress from engaging in sexual relationships with staffers, a policy adopted in 2018 following the #MeToo movement.
The Office of Congressional Conduct conducted an ethics investigation into allegations involving Gonzales and his former Uvalde regional district director, Regina Santos-Aviles. The investigation was first reported by Punchbowl News.
Santos-Aviles died last September after setting herself on fire. The Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide.
Gonzales has denied having a sexual relationship with Santos-Aviles and has rejected the allegations. In a post on social media, Gonzales said he would not be “blackmailed” and described the claims as politically and financially motivated.
Santos-Aviles’ husband, Adrian Aviles, publicly disputed Gonzales’ characterization of the situation. In a post on social media, he said, “We have never blackmailed anyone,” and accused the congressman of refusing to take accountability.
https://x.com/Adrianaviles830/status/2024530266480345234?s=20
The initial ethics investigation has been completed but cannot advance to a full House Ethics Committee investigation during an election period under House rules.
The allegations have drawn political scrutiny as Gonzales seeks reelection in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonio to El Paso, in the March 3 Texas primaries.
His Republican primary challenger, Brandon Herrera, has called on Gonzales to resign. Texas State Rep. Wes Virdell has also said Gonzales should step down if the allegations are confirmed.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report characterizes the district as competitive but leaning Republican.
Early voting is already underway.