A tragic incident in Uvalde, Texas, has brought intense scrutiny to Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, after a text message surfaced indicating an affair between the congressman and his late aide, Regina Santos-Aviles. Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old regional director for Gonzales in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, died on Sept. 14, 2025, following a self-inflicted act of setting herself on fire in her backyard the previous day.

On April 28, 2025, Santos-Aviles sent a text to a colleague stating, “I had an affair with our boss, and I’m fine,” according to a screenshot obtained by The Post and first reported by the San Antonio Express-News.

Gonzales, in a statement to The Post on Wednesday, said he would “not engage in these personal smears” and remained focused on border security and improving Texans’ lives. The issue has sparked significant debate in political and local circles. Allegations of the affair, which reportedly became known among Gonzales’s staff during the 2024 election cycle, have led to criticism of the congressman’s conduct. The San Antonio Express-News withdrew its endorsement of Gonzales for the March 3 GOP primary, stating he “has questions to answer.”

Early Signs of Personal Turmoil

Reports indicate that tensions arose in May 2025 when Santos-Aviles’ husband, Adrian Aviles, discovered text messages confirming the alleged affair. A former colleague, now working on Democratic campaigns in Los Angeles, told the Express-News that Adrian texted local staffers to expose the relationship. This public revelation marked the beginning of a difficult period for Santos-Aviles.

Following this incident, the former colleague noted that Santos-Aviles’ standing in the office plummeted, describing her as going “from the number one employee in the office to nothing.” Gonzales reportedly canceled meetings she arranged and excluded her from trips to Uvalde. The colleague also recalled Santos-Aviles mentioning Gonzales daily, indicating a deep personal connection.

Concerns about Santos-Aviles’ mental health surfaced by June 2025, when the same colleague approached Gonzales’ district director, Jalen Falcon, to express worry, the NY Post reported. Despite these concerns, no clear intervention is documented in the reports. The situation continued to deteriorate, culminating in the tragic events of September 2025.

Tragic Outcome in Uvalde

On Sept. 13, 2025, Santos-Aviles covered herself in gasoline and set herself on fire in her Uvalde backyard, succumbing to her injuries the next day. She left behind a husband and a child, having served as a devoted regional director for Gonzales in a district spanning much of West Texas. Her death sent shockwaves through the community and her workplace.

Gonzales, in his statement to The Post, described Santos-Aviles as “a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place.” He highlighted her contributions to school safety, healthcare, and rural water improvements. However, he also accused primary rival Brandon Herrera of using a disgruntled ex-staffer to tarnish her memory for political gain.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some questioning Gonzales’ handling of the situation. An ex-aide told The Post on Wednesday that it was a “terrible thing that happened” and suggested Gonzales “just avoided” Santos-Aviles after spring 2024. The same source implied efforts were made to “contain all this” within the congressman’s team.

Political Fallout and Denials

Gonzales has consistently denied the allegations, previously telling KSAT in November that “the rumors are completely untruthful” and emphasizing the need for “thick skin” in politics. Earlier reports by the Daily Mail in October were dismissed by him as “people throwing rocks at me.” Santos-Aviles’ mother also refuted the claims to The Post in October, calling them “completely false” and without merit.

Despite the denials, political consequences have emerged, including President Trump’s endorsement of Gonzales for a fourth House term in December. Meanwhile, the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office sealed 911 calls and police reports related to Santos-Aviles’ death in response to media requests. Javier Guerra, a former attorney for Adrian Aviles, noted Adrian’s concern over releasing his late wife’s private records.

The controversy continues to haunt Gonzales’ re-election bid, with critics pointing to a pattern of avoidance and lack of transparency. The former colleague’s account of Santos-Aviles’ emotional distress and professional isolation paints a troubling picture. Many wonder if more could have been done to support her during this tumultuous time.

Lessons to Learn

While the circumstances of Regina Santos-Aviles’ story are deeply tragic, there are lessons we can draw to protect ourselves and others in professional and personal settings. No matter the precautions taken, crime and tragedy can strike anyone, and we must never blame the victim for the outcomes.

Here are key takeaways to consider:

1. Recognize warning signs: If a colleague or loved one shows signs of emotional distress, such as withdrawal or fixation on a person or issue, don’t ignore it—offer support or seek help from a trusted authority.

2. Maintain boundaries: Personal and professional lines should be respected to avoid conflicts that could escalate into emotional or public crises. Workplace policies can help reinforce these boundaries.

3. Seek resources: If facing personal turmoil, confide in a counselor, therapist, or helpline—resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) are available 24/7.

Encouraging open dialogue about mental health can save lives. Again, while these steps can help, they are not foolproof, and compassion must always guide our response to victims.

Why This Story Matters

This story resonates deeply within the Uvalde community and beyond, highlighting the intersection of personal struggles and public office. It raises critical questions about accountability among elected officials and the support systems available to their staff. The tragic loss of Regina Santos-Aviles underscores the need for mental health awareness in high-pressure environments like political offices.

As a community, we must grapple with how to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes and ensure those in distress are not left isolated. This case also serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny public figures face and the ripple effects on those around them. It’s a call to prioritize empathy and responsibility in all spheres of life.

In conclusion, Regina Santos-Aviles’ death on Sept. 14, 2025, after setting herself on fire, has brought to light allegations of an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales, her professional decline, and unanswered questions about her mental state. Gonzales’ denials, the political fallout, including the San Antonio Express-News’ withdrawn endorsement, and the sealing of records by Texas authorities all compound the complexity of this tragedy. This story of a 35-year-old wife and mother from Uvalde remains a poignant reminder of personal and public accountability.