Texas Congressman’s Aide Told Co-Worker of Affair Before Killing Herself

Image courtesy of The New York Times. From ‘Texas Congressman’s Aide Told Co-Worker of Affair Before Killing Herself’ (February 19, 2026). Credit: J. David Goodman and Edgar Sandoval. Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/18/us/politics/texas-gonzales-suicide-affair.html. © Original owner. Used under fair use.

Aides to Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas have been embroiled in controversy after the release of a text message that appears to confirm an affair between the congressman and one of his staff members. The revelation has sent shockwaves through Mr. Gonzales’s re-election campaign, with some questioning the timing of the disclosure just as primary voters are casting their ballots.

Representative Tony Gonzales, a married father of six, is currently locked in a tough Republican primary fight against Brandon Herrera. While Mr. Gonzales has been endorsed by President Trump, he has at times diverged from the president’s positions on various issues. The congressman’s aides have been tight-lipped about the affair, but a co-worker who received the text message has come forward to share it with The New York Times.

The text exchange in question was sent last April 27 by Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, an aide to Mr. Gonzales who later took her own life after setting herself on fire in the backyard of her home five months later. In the message, Ms. Santos-Aviles wrote, “I had affair with our boss and I’m fine.” The text has been widely reported by local media outlets, but the identity of the staff member who received it remained unknown until now.

The co-worker who shared the text exchange with The Times said that they did not agree with Mr. Herrera’s hard-right politics, but felt compelled to come forward due to Ms. Santos-Aviles’s close friendship and her own sense of wrongdoing on behalf of the deceased aide. “I wanted to make sure people knew what had happened,” the staff member explained in an interview. The former aide also expressed frustration with Mr. Gonzales for not addressing the allegations sooner.

Mr. Gonzales has thus far declined to comment on the allegations, instead accusing his primary challenger of being behind the release of the text message. However, a spokesperson for Mr. Gonzales denied any wrongdoing and stated that the congressman was “focusing on serving his constituents.” The primary election is set to take place in just days, with many voters still undecided.

As news of the affair spreads, some are questioning whether it will impact Mr. Gonzales’s chances at re-election. Others see the revelation as a symptom of broader issues within the Republican Party, including its handling of allegations of misconduct by elected officials. “This is not just about Representative Gonzales or his primary challenger,” said one observer. “It’s about the culture of accountability and transparency that exists within our institutions.”

For everyday Americans, this story raises important questions about the behavior of those in power and how they are held accountable for their actions. What does it say when a congressman is accused of engaging in an affair with a staff member, and then denies any wrongdoing? How can voters trust politicians to make decisions that benefit the public interest if they are willing to engage in such behavior?

As this story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Representative Tony Gonzales’s re-election campaign has been severely damaged by these revelations. But what does the future hold for those who have been hurt by his actions? Will Ms. Santos-Aviles’s family and friends be able to find closure, or will they continue to live with the knowledge of her tragic fate?

As we navigate this complex web of politics and personal relationships, it’s essential that readers engage in a thoughtful discussion about what these allegations mean for our democracy. Share your thoughts on this story: do you think Representative Gonzales should be held accountable for his actions? Should voters consider the implications of his behavior when casting their ballots in the primary election? Join the conversation by commenting below with your perspective, or share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #GonzalesReelection.