A Texas congressman is fighting back against allegations of an extramarital affair with a former employee who tragically took her own life last year.
Representative Tony Gonzales, a married Republican, declared Thursday that he refuses to be extorted after the San Antonio Express-News published a story about alleged text messages from his former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles. In those messages, Santos-Aviles reportedly told a coworker about having a romantic relationship with the congressman.
The Associated Press has not verified these text messages independently. However, an attorney representing Santos-Aviles’ widower confirmed Thursday that the husband discovered the alleged affair before his wife’s death.
Gonzales, who represents a sprawling border district from San Antonio to El Paso and is seeking reelection in the March 3 primary, has not responded to requests for comment through his representatives. Instead, he took to social media platform X, sharing part of an email from the widow’s legal counsel and claiming he was being targeted for money.
“I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED,” Gonzales declared in his Thursday post. “Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death.”
The email excerpt Gonzales shared shows attorney Robert Barrera discussing potential legal action against the lawmaker and mentioning a possible settlement including a confidentiality clause. The correspondence indicates damages could reach up to $300,000.
Barrera strongly rejected accusations of extortion during a phone conversation with The AP Thursday.
“It is a desperate attempt to make him look again like a political victim,” Barrera explained. “There’s no blackmail here. I mean, it’s just ridiculous allegations.”
Santos-Aviles, age 35, died in September 2025 after igniting herself in her backyard in Uvalde. Medical examiners in Bexar County officially determined her death was suicide by self-immolation.
The congressman, who has six children with his spouse, represents a district that spans the entire U.S.-Mexico border region.
Barrera explained that his published email was part of ongoing negotiations with Gonzales’ legal team after his client decided to pursue compensation through litigation under the Congressional Accountability Act, which shields legislative branch workers from workplace harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
The attorney alleges that once the affair came to light, Gonzales punished Santos-Aviles professionally by severely limiting her responsibilities, workplace access, and career opportunities.
President Donald Trump has given his backing to Gonzales, who faces a primary battle against Brandon Herrera. Herrera, who came close to defeating Gonzales in 2024, is now demanding the congressman step down following these revelations.
In a statement to the Texas Tribune earlier this week, Gonzales described Santos-Aviles as “a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place.” He added that he would not “engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans.”
Barrera says his client simply wants the congressman to admit to the alleged relationship.
“There’s nothing political here. There’s no demand for him to resign. That’s up to the voters of that district, whether they want a man like Tony Gonzales to lead them into the future,” Barrera stated.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available by calling or texting 988 for the national suicide and crisis lifeline, or through online chat at 988lifeline.org.
